ACES Expands Its Presence in the U.S. Through Acquisition of Meskel & Associates Engineering
In a significant move to strengthen its foothold in the United States, ACES US Holding Inc., the American subsidiary of the esteemed Middle Eastern construction and geotechnical services firm ACES Group, has successfully acquired Meskel & Associates Engineering (MAE). This acquisition, finalized on April 20, 2026, represents a pivotal step in enhancing ACES' operational capabilities across the Southeast region, particularly in Florida and Georgia.
With nearly two decades of experience, MAE has established itself as a leading provider of geotechnical engineering, materials testing, and inspection services in North Florida. The firm, which is headquartered in Jacksonville and employs over 50 professionals, possesses a CMEC-Certified lab that meets the standards set by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDoT). Furthermore, MAE operates additional facilities located in Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, and Atlanta, Georgia, facilitating a robust network within the region. As a result of this acquisition, ACES is poised to increase its workforce to over 200 employees in the Southeast, enhancing service delivery for various infrastructure projects.
The combined resources of MAE and MC2 Engineers Inc., which ACES acquired in 2022, allow the corporation to broaden its service offerings significantly. Izzat Katkhuda, Co-CEO of ACES, remarked on the strategic nature of this acquisition, emphasizing the growing demand for dependable infrastructure solutions. He stated,
“Today, we officially welcome MAE to ACES. This acquisition strengthens our position in the U.S. and broadens our capabilities across the construction and engineering value chain at a time of accelerating demand for reliable and resilient infrastructure.”
The collaboration extends beyond mere expansion; it creates a more integrated platform capable of addressing complex infrastructure challenges from the planning stage through to execution. This synergy is expected to improve responsiveness to the needs of government entities, private developers, and local municipalities that rely on engineering services for critical civil projects.
Dr. Naeem Abdulhadi, another Co-CEO of ACES, highlighted the importance of MAE's established client relationships, stating that they are instrumental to enhancing the reach and effectiveness of ACES' U.S. operations. He noted,
“Together, our teams are expanding geographically, strengthening our service capabilities, and enhancing our ability to support clients, while providing greater opportunities for our people.”
Tina Meskel, President of MAE, expressed her enthusiasm over the merger, pointing to the cultural and operational synergies between MAE and ACES. She mentioned,
“Over the past 18 years, Meskel has become one of the leading geotechnical and material engineering consultants in North Florida. Joining ACES gives our team a broader platform, deeper resources, and expanded opportunities for growth.”
Founded in 1983, ACES has built a reputation for providing superior engineering services, such as site investigations, quality control, environmental testing, and more, with a network of over 25 offices across the Middle East. This extensive background provides ACES with the experience necessary to navigate the complexities of engineering challenges in the U.S. market as well.
As the firm integrates MAE's offerings into its framework, ACES aims to solidify its position as a leader in construction and engineering across the United States, responding to the urgent need for robust infrastructure systems that can withstand the test of time and societal demands. For further details about ACES and their services, visit
ACES Group's website.
With all eyes on the construction industry in the U.S., ACES is not just looking to keep up; it aims to set the standard as it melds its resources with those of its newest acquisitions, paving the way for a future rich with potential and opportunities.