Michael Baker buys emergency management consultancy Tidal Basin
Michael Baker International, a Pittsburgh-headquartered design and engineering consultancy, has acquired Tidal Basin, a Utica, NY-based emergency and disaster management consulting firm.
Founded in 1985, Tidal Basin helps organizations, businesses, and governments prepare for, manage, and recover from natural and man-made disasters. Its services include planning, training, and exercises; grants management; portfolio management for funding sources; and software integration support.
Tidal Basin saw rapid growth in 2022, adding 460 professionals to its team. The firm says it has between 501 and 1,000 employees, according to LinkedIn. Tidal Basin has six offices in the United States, as well as a location in Puerto Rico.
Michael Baker’s acquisition of Tidal Basin will add complementary capabilities in disaster management consulting. Tidal Basin will operate as a standalone entity.
Michael Baker will seek out growth opportunities via the “strong relationship” both firms have with FEMA, the Pittsburgh-based firm said in a press release. It will also pursue additional business across federal agencies.
Climate change has made disaster management a growth industry. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), weather disasters have more than doubled since 1980.
“We are excited to welcome Tidal Basin as a sister company to Michael Baker. This relationship is a tremendous opportunity for the two firms to work closely together to drive more value for a shared client base that encompasses more than 90 locations across the country," said Thomas J. Campbell, chairman of Michael Baker International and founder and managing partner of DC Capital Partners.
DC Capital Partners, an Alexandria, VA-based private equity firm, acquired Michael Baker International in 2013.
Michael Baker delivers design, planning, architecture, environment, construction, and program management services for diverse infrastructure projects. The firm has 3,900 employees across nearly 100 locations nationwide.
