Headquartered in the UK, Phenna Group has grown rapidly over the last few years to become one of the world’s leading Testing, Inspection, Certification and Compliance (“TICC”) businesses by partnering with independent companies serving a variety of key, mission-critical sectors around the globe.
Phenna Group is pleased to announce the acquisition of MLA Geotechnical, a leading geotechnical testing, inspection and engineering services provider based in Austin, Texas. This marks Phenna’s 9th acquisition in 2026 and further strengthens its Infrastructure division in the Americas.
About MLA Geotechnical
Founded in 1964, MLA Geotechnical has built a strong reputation and is widely recognised as a premier geotechnical inspection firm in the Austin area, underpinned by long-standing client relationships, technical excellence and a commitment to integrity. The business supports a broad range of clients, including homebuilders, commercial developers, municipalities, school districts and government agencies, providing specialist expertise in soil conditions, testing, forensic analysis and engineering services.
The acquisition enhances Phenna Group’s geotechnical capabilities in the United States, expanding its presence into the high-growth southwestern region. It also provides a strong platform for further expansion, with significant opportunities to scale operations across Texas, where demand for TICC and engineering services continues to grow rapidly.
Tim Weston, CEO of MLA Geotechnical, said: “We are extremely proud of the reputation MLA Geotechnical has built over the past six decades, and we are excited to partner with Phenna Group. Their experience in supporting specialist businesses, combined with their long-term approach to collaboration and investment, makes them the right partner for our team, our clients and our future.”
Eric D’Orio, Divisional MD, Americas, commented: “MLA Geotechnical is a standout business in the Central Texas market, with a long-established reputation and deep technical understanding of local ground conditions. Their strong client relationships and consistent delivery make them a natural fit for our Americas division.This partnership strengthens our presence in a key high-growth region and creates a strong foundation to expand further across Texas and the wider southwestern US, while continuing to support MLA’s team with the resources and expertise of the wider group.”
Phil Marshall, CEO of Phenna Group, added: “MLA Geotechnical is a highly respected business with deep technical expertise and strong customer relationships in a key US growth market. This acquisition strengthens our Infrastructure division in the Americas and expands our geotechnical capabilities into the southwestern United States.
We are pleased to welcome Tim and the MLA team to Phenna Group and look forward to supporting their continued growth through investment, collaboration and the strength of our wider network.”
Phenna Group were advised by RSM and ReedSmith MLA were advised by EBB Group and FBFK Law
For further information on MLA, visit: https://www.mlageotech.com/
Formed in 2019, Phenna Group has rapidly emerged as one of the fastest-growing Testing, Inspection, Certification and Compliance (TICC) groups globally.
Today, Phenna Group is a global collection of entrepreneurial businesses. Each one provides top-tier TICC services across our infrastructure, built environment, industrial, food and life sciences, and compliance and certification divisions.
We operate globally, with over 9,000 employees who support customers in regulated sectors by delivering mission-critical services focused on quality and reliability.
