President Trump Announces 25% Tariffs on Imported Autos
President Trump is placing a 25% tariff on auto imports starting April 3rd to increase domestic manufacturing, with the White House projecting the tariff will generate $100 billion in annual revenue.
These higher tariffs could drive higher prices and lower sales for automakers. If this tariff is passed on to the consumer, the price of a car could increase by $12,500, contributing to overall inflation.
U.S. and foreign automakers currently rely on global plants for their supply chain, and designing and building new factories could take years to complete. To strengthen their supply chain in the U.S., Hyundai announced plans to build a $5.8 billion steel plant in Louisiana.
This auto tariff, along with tariffs on steel, aluminum, and planned tariffs for computer chips, pharmaceutical drugs, lumber, and copper, has prompted foreign leaders from Mexico, the European Union, and Canada to consider countermeasures, potentially further disrupting global supply chains.
Tech Leaders Push for Less Regulation on the Development of Generative AI
After President Trump’s emphasis on AI dominance, technology leaders, who had previously urged the government to regulate the development of generative AI due to its potential risks, have now reversed their stance and are pushing to end regulatory efforts.
As tech companies shift away from concerns around safety and responsible AI, they are pushing for multiple deregulatory measures, including the ability to use copyrighted material and federal data to train models, along with incentives like easier access to energy sources and tax breaks.
AI policy experts are concerned that rapid growth could lead to potential issues, including more cyberattacks, discrimination by automated application screeners, and increased disinformation.
March 20, 2025
AKS Engineering (AKS), an Oregon-based multi-disciplinary consulting firm that provides surveying, natural resource management, civil engineering, permitting, and land use services, backed by Align Capital Partners, has acquired Permit Surveying Inc. (PSI), a Washington-based land surveying firm. This acquisition allows PSI’s staff to continue to serve its clients with the support of AKS’ personnel and resources, while also strengthening AKS’ local presence in Washington and expanding its surveying services.
March 21, 2025
NV5, a Florida-based provider of technology, certification, and consulting solutions, has acquired CRS Survey, a North Carolina-based provider of land surveying and mapping services for infrastructure maintenance and improvements and land development. This strategic acquisition enhances NV5’s services in North Carolina, while also allowing the firm to accelerate growth in its surveying and infrastructure services. Ben Heraud, CEO of NV5, commented, “The adoption of new surveying and geospatial technologies, along with a shortage of licensed surveyors, has driven high-demand and high-margins for surveying services. The addition of CRS Survey strengthens our capabilities to support transportation clients throughout the state and drive accelerated organic growth for our Southeast operations.”
March 24, 2025
Salas O’Brien, a California-based employee-owned engineering and facility planning firm, has acquired FA Engineering, an Idaho-based firm that provides civil, structural, electrical, environmental, and surveying services. This strategic merger strengthens Salas O’Brien’s structural and mechanical engineering, industrial design, and environmental compliance capabilities, while also enabling FA Engineering to utilize Salas O’Brien’s extensive network and resources to take on more complex projects. Darin Anderson, Chairman and CEO of Salas O’Brien, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Their expertise aligns perfectly with our commitment to delivering innovative solutions and creating lasting value for our clients. Together, we will help industrial clients implement advanced solutions, reach sustainability goals, and compete in a challenging global market.”
March 25, 2025
TETER, a California-based master planning, architectural design, and engineering services firm, has acquired Kubow & Associates, a California-based healthcare design firm. Utilizing Kubow & Associates’ expertise, TETER broadens its service offerings and enhances its support for healthcare providers statewide. Lee Avila, Director of Healthcare and Principal Architect at TETER, shared his team’s vision, saying, “The healthcare team designs medical facilities to be pleasant, calming environments. Healthcare is one of the most important things that we deal with…Trying to help people have better healthcare experiences motivates us.”
March 26, 2025
Earth Systems, a Florida-based environmental consulting firm, backed by Palm Beach Capital, has acquired Spangler Environmental (Spangler), a North Carolina-based environmental consulting firm specializing in regulatory compliance, risk management, and ecological solutions. This acquisition will enhance Earth Systems’ delivery of comprehensive environmental solutions and expand the geographic markets it serves, while also providing Spangler access to Earth Systems’ national reach and technical expertise. Sam Pratt, Executive Chairman of the Earth Systems platform, expressed, “We are thrilled to support Earth Systems’ continued growth in the environmental engineering and consulting sectors by partnering with Jim [Spangler] and his exceptional leadership team. The addition of Spangler Environmental aligns with our commitment of investing in companies with great management teams that provide client-first environmental consulting and permitting services.”
March 26, 2025
Agellus Capital, a Montana-based lower middle-market private equity firm focused on transformational growth, has acquired Orcus Fire & Risk (Orcus), a Texas-based fire and life safety design, engineering, audit, and consulting provider for energy and industrial facilities. This investment makes Orcus a part of Bluejack Fire & Life Safety, the firm that leads Agellus Capital’s national fire and life safety platform and gives the firm the opportunity to grow alongside a national service provider. Phil McVey, CEO of Bluejack Fire & Life Safety, stated, “The addition of Orcus is particularly exciting as it will allow our broader fire and life safety platform to expand its servicing capabilities to specialized, highly important facilities and customers.”
Woodard & Curran, recently shared that, since 2010, the Woodard & Curran Foundation has contributed over $1.6 million in donations to nonprofits that are dedicated to keeping our water clean and protecting our environment. Funded by employees and additional donors, the Foundation supports annual Impact Grants and Giving While Living grants. In 2025, ten nonprofits nominated by employee donors will each receive $10,000 through the Giving While Living grant program. Among the recipients are organizations like Raritan Headwaters, Change is Simple, and Sebago Clean Waters, all committed to preserving the environment.
The EFCG Weekly Briefing summarizes the week’s key news in the AEC industry, including M&A updates, and micro- and macro-trends, aggregated from industry-focused and global news sources.
To send any additional press releases or news from your firm that you would like us to share please email Clay Han at chan@efcg.com.