Home

Burns Engineering Announces Investment from OceanSound Partners

via Business Wire

Burns Engineering, Inc. (“Burns” or the “Company”), a leading engineering solutions provider for transportation, critical infrastructure and the built environment, today announced that it has received a strategic investment from OceanSound Partners (“OceanSound”), a growth-oriented private equity firm that invests in technology and technology-enabled services companies serving government and highly regulated end markets. Burns’ existing leadership, management and employees, led by Matthew and John Burns, have retained a significant ownership interest in the company and will continue in their roles. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 1960, Burns is a leading provider of specialized engineering, technical design and consulting services to the aviation, rail, power, utility, higher education, mission-critical, and healthcare end markets. The Company’s capabilities span electrical, mechanical, and technology systems engineering – core disciplines that support the existing modernization and buildout of next-generation infrastructure. With over 360 employees in 13 offices, Burns is a trusted partner for leading agencies, asset owners, and infrastructure operators with a proven ability to deliver complex, mission-critical projects that enhance reliability and efficiency of essential systems. The Company is recognized as one of the top 20 electrical design firms in the U.S. by Electrical Construction & Maintenance Magazine and ranked #30 on the MEP Giants list of top MEP firms in North America.

“For more than six decades, Burns has built trusted, long-term relationships by solving our clients’ most complex engineering challenges,” said Matthew Burns, President & CEO of Burns. “The pace of change across our end markets – from electrification and grid modernization to the expansion of digital and transportation infrastructure – is creating unprecedented opportunities for firms with deep technical expertise and trusted client relationships. OceanSound’s experience in critical infrastructure and engineering services makes them an ideal partner as we enter this next chapter of growth.”

John Burns, SVP & COO of Burns, added: “Our success is driven by deep technical expertise, a commitment to client service, and a culture that empowers our people to innovate on behalf of our customers. Together with OceanSound, we will strengthen the capabilities and resources that have earned Burns its reputation for reliability, collaboration, and project excellence – creating even greater value for our clients and new tools to attract and retain the best talent.”

“Investment in the modernization and resilience of U.S. infrastructure continues to accelerate, creating strong, long-term demand for specialized engineering and technology services,” said Joe Benavides, CEO and Founder of OceanSound. “At the same time, the U.S. faces a significant shortage of mechanical and electrical engineering expertise required to support this transformation. Burns plays a vital role in bridging that gap—designing the electrical, power, and technology systems that enable electrification, grid modernization, and the rapid buildout of AI-driven infrastructure. We’re excited to partner with the Burns team to scale their capabilities and expand their impact across these mission-critical markets.”

“Burns’ deep technical expertise and longstanding customer relationships have made it a trusted name in critical infrastructure engineering,” said Addison Nordin, Principal at OceanSound. “We look forward to helping Burns accelerate growth through targeted initiatives and highly strategic acquisitions that deepen its presence in complex, fast-growing end markets and expand its geographic reach. By pairing Burns’ strong momentum with disciplined M&A execution, we can build an even more differentiated industry leader and create meaningful long-term value for clients, employees, and shareholders.”

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP served as legal advisor to OceanSound. Venable LLP served as legal advisor and Chesapeake Corporate Advisors (“CCA”) served as financial advisor to Burns.

About Burns Engineering

Burns is a nationally recognized provider of specialized services, bringing highly technical, sought after engineering expertise to complex transportation and critical infrastructure projects. Since 1960, Burns’ collaborative work environment and client-focused approach remain central components to the Company’s national reputation of delivering unmatched project excellence. Ranked a Top Workplace and ENR Top 500 Design Firm, Burns inspires outside-the-box solutions, creates opportunities for growth and learning, and delivers outstanding service for our clients and partners. For more information, please visit www.burns-group.com.

About OceanSound Partners

OceanSound Partners is a New York-based private equity firm that pursues control investments in technology and technology-enabled services companies serving government, critical infrastructure, and highly regulated enterprise end-markets. OceanSound employs a partnership approach, working closely with founders, entrepreneurs, and executives of middle market businesses to drive transformational growth. For more information, please visit www.oceansoundpartners.com.

Contacts