PURIS Expands Water Infrastructure Platform With Amici Acquisition
PURIS LLC has acquired Amici Engineering Contractors LLC, a Florida-based underground water and utility infrastructure firm, expanding its national contracting portfolio, Trenchless Technology reports.
Market Impact
Amici, founded in 2019 with offices in Zephyrhills and Miami, specializes in complex pipeline construction, horizontal directional drilling and related services supporting potable water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure across Florida. The company joins PURIS, a portfolio company backed by investment affiliates of J.F. Lehman & Company LLC (JFLCO), as the latest addition to what PURIS describes as a “disciplined acquisition strategy” aimed at augmenting organic growth in the water infrastructure space.
“Amici has built an exceptional reputation in Florida for its engineering-led approach and its ability to execute complex underground infrastructure projects,” said Mick Fegan, CEO of PURIS. Kevin Vallès, managing director at JFLCO, added that “Amici’s differentiated engineering and self-perform capabilities make it a compelling addition to PURIS as we continue to enhance our diversified water infrastructure platform.” Amici co-founder Juan Barreneche said the company chose PURIS for its “national reach and technological breadth.” A&O Shearman advised PURIS and JFLCO on the deal, while Akerman LLP represented Amici.
What It Means for Subcontractors
- Florida underground utility and HDD subcontractors should expect PURIS-Amici to bid more aggressively on potable water, wastewater and stormwater packages statewide, given the combined platform’s expanded self-perform capacity.
- Smaller trenchless and pipeline contractors in Florida markets served by Amici (Zephyrhills, Miami and surrounding areas) should reassess their competitive position now that a JFLCO-backed platform has added local engineering-led execution capability.
- Firms specializing in HDD, pipeline rehabilitation or ancillary underground services should consider positioning themselves as acquisition or partnership targets, as PURIS has signaled continued M&A activity to build out its diversified water infrastructure platform beyond this deal.
- Subs bidding against PURIS-affiliated crews should watch for tighter pricing and faster mobilization on complex underground infrastructure bids, as consolidated platforms typically leverage shared equipment and back-office resources to compete on larger regional contracts.
