Global engineering design consultancy Black & White Engineering has agreed a deal to acquire Dublin-based Homan O’Brien, an independent consulting mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering firm.
Established in 1990 through the merger of Robert Jacob and Partners (founded in 1955) and Seamus Homan Associates (founded in 1978), Homan O’Brien’s expertise spans various sectors, including data centres, healthcare, education, laboratories, commercial, residential and industrial facilities.
Black & White Engineering operates across 18 cities worldwide with over 700 employees. It has seen a 500% increase in size since 2020, and is known for its technical excellence, data centre sector expertise and sustainable delivery across complex infrastructure projects.
It said today’s deal is a critical move in its strategy to expand its global presence, particularly in the data centre and infrastructure sectors.
The acquisition is backed by Waterland, an independent investment group that partnered with Black & White Engineering in 2024 to support its rapid growth strategy.
Simon O’Brien, Managing Director of Homan O’Brien, said the deal with Black & White Engineering was an exciting next step for the business.
“We remain committed to our clients and the team we have built, while gaining the scale and support of being part of Black & White to accelerate our growth and deliver more for our staff and clients,” he added.
Joint Managing Director Brian Homan retired from the company on April 30. “Having been in the industry for over 40 years I have taken this opportunity to step back and wish my colleagues at Homan O’ Brien all the success in their new venture going forward,” he added.
Mick Cairns, CEO and founder of Black & White Engineering, said that Homan O’Brien shares its values and drive for excellence.
“Dublin’s strategic role in the global data centre market makes it the ideal location for strengthening ties with our clients, and establishing a regional headquarters in Ireland is a significant step in our growth journey,” he said.
“Homan O’Brien’s strong local presence and specialist expertise align perfectly with our ambitions. It’s a great fit that unlocks new momentum as we continue to expand internationally,” he added.
