WSB Continues Growth Spree with Alta Science & Engineering Buyout

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – May 14, 2026 – WSB LLC, a rapidly expanding design and consulting firm, has announced its acquisition of Alta Science & Engineering, Inc., a move that plants the company’s flag firmly in the Pacific Northwest and significantly deepens its environmental service capabilities. The deal, backed by WSB’s private equity owner GHK Capital Partners, marks the seventh acquisition for the firm in just three years, underscoring an aggressive national consolidation strategy that is reshaping a segment of the engineering and consulting landscape.

Alta, a 35-year-old firm with a strong reputation across the western United States, brings more than 60 employees from its offices in Idaho and Washington into the WSB fold. This integration boosts WSB’s total headcount to approximately 1,700 employees across more than 50 offices nationwide. For WSB, the acquisition is a strategic push into new territory, both geographically and in terms of technical expertise, adding a robust platform for tackling complex environmental and infrastructure challenges.

“The acquisition of Alta Science & Engineering represents a strategic investment in the continued growth of WSB’s environmental capabilities,” said Bret Weiss, WSB’s president and chief executive officer, in a statement. “Alta is widely respected for its scientific excellence, thoughtful problem-solving, and people-first culture. Their expertise complements our existing services and strengthens our ability to deliver integrated, science-based solutions for our clients.”

A Pattern of Strategic Expansion

This latest acquisition is not an isolated event but the continuation of a meticulously executed growth plan initiated after GHK Capital Partners acquired WSB in September 2023. At that time, GHK concurrently acquired EST Inc. and merged it with WSB to create a formidable platform poised for national expansion. The stated goal was clear: to build a national leader through a combination of organic growth, technological investment, and an active M&A program.

The subsequent acquisitions have followed a clear pattern, targeting firms that either expand WSB’s geographic footprint or add specialized service lines. In February 2024, the purchase of AE Engineering, Inc. significantly strengthened WSB’s transportation infrastructure services in the southeastern United States. Later that year, the addition of Oklahoma-based Meshek & Associates, LLC, bolstered its expertise in hydrology and civil design in the southern U.S. In 2025, the acquisition of CAS Consulting & Services, Inc. deepened its water and wastewater engineering capabilities in Texas.

Most recently, the January 2026 acquisition of NEO Virtus Engineering signaled a move into the renewable energy sector, adding expertise in photovoltaic and energy storage system design. The purchase of Alta now serves as a capstone to this phase of expansion, providing a critical entry point into the environmentally-focused markets of the Pacific Northwest and the broader western region.

Bolstering Environmental Clout in the West

Alta Science & Engineering brings more than just new office locations; it injects decades of specialized scientific and engineering knowledge into WSB’s portfolio. Founded on the principle of using quality science to solve complex problems, Alta has built a formidable reputation in environmental services, remediation and brownfields, site characterization, ecosystem restoration, and water resources management. This expertise is particularly valuable in the western U.S., a region defined by its vast natural resources, sensitive ecosystems, and complex regulatory frameworks.

With a client roster that is over 85% composed of government contracts, Alta has deep relationships with local, state, federal, and tribal entities. The firm has played a role in major regional projects from Alaska to California, including providing subcontracted support for the massive Hanford Site environmental cleanup in Washington. This experience and client base provide WSB with immediate credibility and access in a market where trust and a proven track record are paramount.

“Joining WSB marks an exciting next chapter for Alta Science & Engineering,” stated Derek Forseth, chief executive officer of Alta. He emphasized that the partnership allows his team to build upon its foundational values while gaining access to broader resources and integrated expertise, benefiting both clients and staff.

The Private Equity Playbook in Action

The rapid pace of WSB’s expansion is fueled by the strategic vision and financial backing of GHK Capital Partners. The Greenwich-based private equity firm specializes in acquiring middle-market industrial companies and accelerating their growth. GHK’s investment thesis for WSB hinges on capitalizing on what it calls “compelling secular trends in the critical infrastructure space.” These trends include the national focus on upgrading aging infrastructure, the increasing demand for sustainable design, and the growing complexity of environmental regulations.

By acquiring a strong platform company like WSB, GHK is executing a classic private equity strategy: using M&A to consolidate a fragmented industry. The engineering and environmental consulting sector is composed of a few large global players and thousands of smaller regional and specialized firms. GHK’s approach with WSB is to methodically acquire these high-performing regional firms like Alta, integrating their expertise and client lists under a single, national brand. This allows the combined entity to compete for larger, more complex projects while maintaining regional specialization.

Integrating Cultures and Capabilities

While the strategic and financial logic of the acquisition is clear, its ultimate success will hinge on the effective integration of people and culture. Both CEOs have publicly stressed a shared set of values, including collaboration, integrity, and community impact. For Alta, which was a 100% employee-owned company, its “people-first” culture is a core part of its identity and success. Preserving this dynamic within the much larger and rapidly growing WSB organization will be a key challenge.

The integration plan is set to unfold through 2026, with the firms working to create a coordinated go-to-market approach. For Alta’s more than 60 engineers, scientists, and geologists, the merger is being presented as a gateway to new opportunities for professional growth and career development within a larger, more diverse organization. The promise is that this partnership will create new pathways for upward mobility while expanding the collective ability to deliver innovative solutions. The successful fusion of Alta's deeply-rooted scientific culture with WSB's national ambition will be the true test of this strategic expansion.