Mott MacDonald Expands Australian Presence With Acquisition of Infrastructure Contractor Leed

Global engineering consultancy Mott MacDonald has agreed to acquire Australian civil engineering and construction specialist Leed Engineering & Construction in a move designed to strengthen its delivery capabilities across major infrastructure and water projects.

The deal will see Mott MacDonald combine its engineering and advisory expertise with Leed’s established construction operations across Australia, creating a more integrated design-and-build offering for clients throughout the region.

Leed Engineering & Construction, founded in 2001, has grown into a major infrastructure contractor with more than 350 employees and operations spanning South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales.

The company specialises in complex civil engineering and infrastructure delivery, with experience across water infrastructure, dams, roads, bridges, environmental works and large-scale earthworks projects.

Its client portfolio includes organisations such as SA Water, Coliban Water, Snowy Hydro and several state government environment and water agencies.

Focus on Water Infrastructure Growth

Mott MacDonald said the acquisition is intended to accelerate growth in Australia’s expanding infrastructure sector, particularly within water and environmental projects where demand for new and upgraded assets continues to increase.

The consultancy added that the move would allow both businesses to provide a fully integrated design and construction service, particularly in the delivery and remediation of water infrastructure assets.

The strategy mirrors the success of Mott MacDonald Bentley (MMB) in the UK — the consultancy’s long-established design-and-build partnership with contractor JN Bentley.

MMB now employs nearly 3,000 people and delivers fully integrated engineering, design, construction and commissioning services across the UK water sector.

Strengthening Delivery Capability

Adrian Jones, Mott MacDonald’s Regional Managing Director for Asia Pacific, Australia and New Zealand, said the acquisition comes at a critical time for infrastructure investment across Australia.

“There is a significant demand for new and upgraded infrastructure across Australia and particularly in the water sector,” he said.

“By combining the capabilities of Mott MacDonald and Leed it takes our technical expertise to the next level, enabling us to provide a fully integrated design and construction offering to our clients in this space.”

Paul Bentley, Managing Director of JN Bentley, said Leed’s experience aligns strongly with Mott MacDonald’s existing approach to infrastructure delivery.

“Leed has built an impressive reputation across Australia for delivering high quality, technically challenging projects, and their expertise is well aligned with our own commitment to safe, reliable and innovative delivery,” he said.

“This acquisition is an opportunity to strengthen Mott MacDonald’s contracting offering, supported by JN Bentley’s 53-year construction heritage and the success of our design and build business, Mott MacDonald Bentley.”

Existing Leadership Team to Remain

Mott MacDonald confirmed Leed will continue operating under its existing management structure following completion of the acquisition.

The business will also continue using its established regional presence while drawing upon Mott MacDonald and JN Bentley’s experience in integrated project delivery to expand its market position.

Craig Laslett, Managing Director of Leed, said the agreement comes at a time of major infrastructure investment across Australia.

“Leed is pleased to be joining JN Bentley, part of the Mott MacDonald Group, at a time of significant investment in water and civil infrastructure across Australia,” he said.

“With a shared focus on delivering quality outcomes for clients, our combined capabilities will support the delivery of complex water infrastructure projects across Australia.”

The acquisition reflects growing global demand for integrated engineering and construction delivery models as governments and utilities increase investment in water security, climate resilience and critical infrastructure renewal.