CHADDS FORD, PA — Arora Engineers has acquired Chicago-based J.A. Watts in a deal that significantly broadens its reach in aviation and transportation infrastructure and strengthens its ability to deliver end-to-end solutions worldwide.
The acquisition of J.A. Watts, LLC, known as JWI, was supported by financing arranged by Brightwood Capital. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Founded in 1999, JWI provides owner’s representation and specializes in construction, project, and program management for public and private clients across North America. Its expertise spans aviation security, airline planning and design, fuel systems, project controls, transportation, transit, technology infrastructure, and engineering, capabilities that Arora said will complement its own deep portfolio in complex infrastructure delivery.
Arora, headquartered in Chadds Ford, brings more than four decades of experience in integrated planning and design, construction services, facility management, and digital enterprise solutions for the built environment. The firm has worked with hundreds of airports globally and manages major projects across aviation, surface transportation, federal, life sciences, commercial, and education sectors.
Manik Arora, president and chief executive officer, said the deal aligns squarely with the firm’s long-term strategy. He said JWI’s track record in complex infrastructure projects expands Arora’s capabilities and reinforces its mission of “Rethinking Infrastructure,” positioning the combined organization to deliver integrated solutions at a global scale.
Julie Watts, president of JWI, said joining Arora preserves JWI’s core values while opening new growth opportunities for employees and clients. She said the partnership allows both firms to offer a broader range of services and a more integrated approach to project delivery.
The transaction unites Arora’s technology-driven infrastructure expertise with JWI’s hands-on program and construction management, creating what the companies described as a seamless, full-service offering across the entire project lifecycle, from planning and design through construction and ongoing asset management.
Arora said the acquisition further strengthens its global footprint, with teams supporting U.S. and international projects from locations including Singapore, India, the Middle East, Europe, and North America. The firm has consistently ranked among top airport facility engineering firms and appears on industry lists such as Building Design+Construction’s Top Airport Facility Engineering Firms, the Inc. 5000, and ENR’s Top 500 Design Firms.
AEC Advisors provided industry benchmarking and strategic consulting services to Jacmel Partners. Willkie Farr & Gallagher served as legal counsel to Jacmel Partners and Arora. Stout Capital, LLC acted as exclusive financial advisor to JWI, with Huck Bouma P.C. serving as its legal counsel.
Company officials said the combined platform is designed to deliver resilient, efficient, and future-ready infrastructure solutions as global demand for modernized transportation and aviation facilities continues to rise.
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