Arora Engineers Acquires J.A. Watts, LLC to Expand Aviation and Infrastructure Solutions Expertise

CHADDS FORD, Pa., Jan. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Arora Engineers (Arora), a global infrastructure solutions firm backed by Jacmel Partners, proudly announces the acquisition of J.A. Watts, LLC (JWI), a Chicago-based program and construction management firm with offices across North America. The acquisition was supported with financing arranged by Brightwood Capital Inc.

Founded in 1999, JWI provides owner's representation and specializes in construction, project, and program management services for public and private owners across the country. JWI's experience in project management, project controls, aviation security, airline planning and design, fuel systems, engineering, technology infrastructure, transportation, transit, and more will strengthen both firms' capabilities across the aviation and transportation infrastructure markets and beyond, while also enhancing their collective ability to deliver expert engineering, technology and construction services for clients worldwide.

Arora, headquartered in Chadds Ford, PA, has four decades of leadership delivering integrated planning and design, construction services, facility management, and enterprise solutions inclusive of asset management, smart infrastructure, and digital solutions for the built environment. Arora has supported hundreds of airports worldwide, helping to advance complex terminal design, construction delivery, and improve the lifecycle of critical assets. Beyond aviation, Arora's teams manage complex surface transportation, federal, life sciences, commercial, and education projects. With a commitment to leveraging a digital infrastructure approach, Arora focuses on improving the quality of life by Rethinking Infrastructure^®.

Manik Arora, President & CEO of Arora stated, "We are thrilled to welcome JWI to the Arora family. With their extensive experience and impeccable track record in complex infrastructure projects, JWI perfectly complements and expands our existing capabilities and team. This acquisition aligns with our mission of Rethinking Infrastructure^® and further enhances our position as a global leader in infrastructure solutions for the built environment. Together with JWI, we are poised to deliver unparalleled solutions to our clients globally."

Julie Watts, President of JWI, expressed excitement about joining forces with Arora, saying, "Joining the Arora family sets JWI on a promising new path while upholding our core values. What stood out to us about this partnership is how closely our missions align, along with our shared commitment to our employees and clients. Together, we can now offer a broader range of services and a more integrated approach to project delivery. We're excited for this next chapter and for everything our teams will achieve together."

The acquisition of JWI, a firm renowned for its innovative solutions and personalized support to their clients in the industry, complements Arora's extensive expertise and recognition as a global leader in infrastructure solutions, including consistently earning a Top 15 spot on Building Design+Construction's Top Airport Facility Engineering Firms list, the Inc. 5000, and ENR's Top 500 Design firms list. Following the acquisition, Arora will continue to extend its presence across a global workforce, with teams supporting both U.S. and international clients and projects from Singapore, India, Middle East, Europe, and North America. No matter where the client or the project, the firm's focus remains the same: delivering solutions that are resilient, efficient, and built for the future.

This strategic acquisition unites Arora's technological innovation and deep infrastructure solutions expertise with JWI's hands-on program and construction management. The partnership offers clients a seamless, full-service solution across the project lifecycle, from initial planning and design through construction and into ongoing asset and facilities management. Both firms share a commitment to personalized customer service, delivering high-quality, efficient, and sustainable solutions for clients.

AEC Advisors provided industry benchmarking and strategic consulting services to Jacmel Partners, and Willkie Farr & Gallagher served as legal counsel to Jacmel Partners and Arora on the transaction. Stout Capital, LLC acted as exclusive financial advisor and Huck Bouma P.C. served as legal counsel to JWI.

About Arora:

Arora, a global infrastructure solutions firm headquartered in Chadds Ford, PA, has four decades of leadership delivering integrated planning and design, construction services, facility management, and enterprise solutions inclusive of asset management, smart infrastructure, and digital solutions for the built environment, leveraging the latest digital technologies to improve the quality of life through Rethinking Infrastructure. Learn more at www.aroraengineers.com

About JWI:

Founded in 1999, J.A. Watts, LLC is a program and construction management firm based in Chicago, IL, known for delivering exceptional services to public and private owners in aviation, transportation, and other infrastructure sectors. JWI fosters an inclusive workplace culture and is committed to building long-term client relationships. Learn more at https://www.jwincorporated.com/

About Jacmel Partners:

Jacmel Partners is an alternative investment firm dedicated to partnering with private companies and investing in projects that strengthen the nation's infrastructure. Through long-term relationships with companies, management teams, developers and government agencies, Jacmel is able to deliver flexible capital, operational insights and a strong impact framework. Our investments aim to create lasting value for employees, families and communities while fueling growth and innovation. Learn more at https://jacmelpartners.com/

About Brightwood Capital Advisors: 

Brightwood Capital Advisors, LLC is a private credit firm with a long-standing track record of investing in middle-market businesses. Brightwood specializes in providing senior debt capital primarily to U.S. businesses with $5-$75 million of EBITDA within five core industries: technology & telecommunications, healthcare, business services, transportation & logistics and franchising. Brightwood partners with non-sponsored businesses as well as private equity sponsors to provide customized financing solutions for directly originated investments. Founded in 2010, Brightwood is a minority-owned firm with a team of over 50 employees who manage approximately $6 billion of assets on behalf of its primarily institutional investor base as of December 31, 2024. Brightwood is headquartered in New York City. For more information, please visit: www.brightwoodlp.com.  

Media Contact:
Christyn Binder
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SOURCE Arora Engineers, LLC