Bernhard Capital has launched a dedicated AEC platform with an investment in Zweig Group client Grace Hebert Curtis Architecture. GHC will continue to be led by CEO Jerry Hebert and its current management team, which will retain a significant stake in the business.
Zweig Group advised GHC through this transaction, and the deal team included Jamie Claire Kiser, managing principal at Zweig Group.
“This is an exciting step in the next phase of Grace Hebert Curtis’ growth trajectory,” Kiser said. “This partnership is reflective of the ambition and entrepreneurialism that Zweig Group has admired over the years in our work with Grace Hebert Curtis.”
Founded in Baton Rouge and with locations in Dallas, New Orleans, Lake Charles, and Lafayette, GHC and its team of talented, client-focused architects have delivered innovative, functional, and personal projects for thousands of customers. Its holistic, immersive design project management approach prioritizes transparency, client engagement, and customer satisfaction throughout every step of the development process. The company currently serves clients in designing and developing properties across distinct asset classes and industries, including education, healthcare, justice, commercial office, civic and industrial.
"We have spent over five decades exceeding our clients' expectations and serving as the conduit for their vision. Our team's commitment to excellence and creating engaging spaces that embrace and celebrate our clients' mission and culture has created unique opportunities to partner with premier businesses, organizations, and civic and educational institutions," said Jerry Hebert. "The exceptional team at Bernhard Capital shares our vision for growth while maintaining our focus on designing buildings and infrastructures that support and improve the communities and businesses they serve. We are excited to work together to build on our track-record of success, expand our capabilities to better serve our clients and lay the groundwork for a leading, full-service national AEC platform.
Bernhard Capital Partners is an operationally focused private equity firm investing in middle-market businesses that provide essential services for critical infrastructure in North America. Bernhard Capital will support the ongoing growth of GHC and build on the company's recent momentum. The firm plans to leverage its critical infrastructure services expertise with this platform to partner with the best-in-class businesses supporting the growing demand for modern, sustainable infrastructure.
"We continue to see a number of tailwinds within the broader AEC market as businesses, institutions, and local and federal governments dedicate more resources to the development of critical and civic infrastructure, particularly K-12 schools, and healthcare," said Jeff Koonce, a partner at Bernhard Capital. "GHC has established a reputation for delivering the highest quality architecture and design services to bring new, sustainable properties to life and will be well positioned for long-term success. We look forward to building a platform that will serve as a one-stop offering for customers across the country."
ABOUT ZWEIG GROUP
Zweig Group, three times on the Inc. 500/5000 list, is the leading research, publishing, and consulting resource for the built environment. The firm provides strategy, mergers and acquisitions, business valuation, ownership transition, marketing, business development, market research, financial management, project management, recruiting and executive search services nationwide. Zweig Group also provides a comprehensive suite of products including industry reports and surveys, executive training, and business conferences covering virtually every aspect of AEC firm management.
The firm’s mission, Elevate the Industry, has five tenets: promote, diversify, educate, change, and celebrate. Zweig Group’s vision is to facilitate action in pursuit of elevating individuals, firms, and thus the industry. More than a mission, this is a movement to advance the AEC profession, creating a world that celebrates the built environment and recognizes its impact on individuals, communities, and commerce.
For more information, visit zweiggroup.com or call (800) 466-6275.