HKA embarks on next phase of growth with new investor
Global consulting firm HKA has brought in a new investor to help the firm embark on its next phase of growth.
Founded in 2017 following years of operation within Hill International, HKA has since its independence grown into a team of over 1,000 professionals (including 130 partners) in 40-plus offices worldwide.
London-headquartered HKA specialises in risk mitigation, dispute resolution and litigation support within the capital projects, construction and infrastructure sectors. The award-winning consultancy works with law firms, contractors, corporates, operators and other professional services firms.
After backing its carve-out and growth over the past five years, Bridgepoint has now exited its stake, with French-origin investor PAI Partners (which this month also acquired Vacanceselect) coming on board following a competitive process to drive the next round of growth. Financial terms have not been disclosed.
“We are very proud of the success we have achieved over the last five years,” said Renny Borhan, the CEO of HKA. “The next phase of our growth will be no less exciting. We are delighted to have the backing and expertise of PAI Partners as we seize the many opportunities we see in our markets and accelerate the growth of our business.”
Among the opportunities on the firm’s roadmap are building out its existing footprint, expanding into new markets (the firm recently launched its 45th office in New Zealand), and extending its service portfolio into other segments.
Initially focused on advisory services, claims consulting, and expert witness services in the disputes segment, HKA has over the last three years expanded into adjacent markets including forensic technical services, forensic accounting & commercial damages, and government contracts.
While much of the growth will build on organic expansion, Neil McIlroy, a Partner at PAI Partners, said that “targeted acquisitions” will be part of the growth mix, building on the previous acquisitions of The Kenrich Group in 2019 (offices in the United States) and Probyn Miers in 2020 (offices in the United Kingdom and Dubai).
“HKA is uniquely positioned for long-term growth in the large and fragmented risk mitigation and dispute resolution market. We look forward to supporting their team as they deliver HKA’s ambitious business goals,” said McIlroy.
The dealmakers
Buyer PAI Partners was advised by Rothschild and DC Advisory (M&A advisory), Bain & Company (Commercial), Alvarez & Marsal (Financial), and Weil, Gotshal & Manges (Legal).
Seller Bridgepoint was advised by J.P. Morgan (M&A advisory), OC&C Strategy Consultants, (Commercial), BDO (Financial), and Travers Smith (Legal).
