Stambaugh Ness Advises KZF Design in Strategic Acquisition by Brightstar Capital Partners
SN’s M&A Advisory Propels KZF Design into a New Era
Stambaugh Ness (SN), a leading professional services firm exclusively focused on the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry nationwide, is pleased to announce its role as advisor to KZF Design in its acquisition by Brightstar Capital Partners, effective June 4, 2025. Stambaugh Ness initiated the transaction and provided M&A advisory services to KZF Design as their seller representative. This successful transaction underscores SN’s commitment to providing unparalleled expertise and a comprehensive continuum of services designed to accelerate the success of AEC firms.
KZF Design, a multi-disciplinary architecture, engineering, and design firm headquartered in Cincinnati, brings nearly 70 years of award-winning work and a legacy of creating regional landmarks. This acquisition, which establishes a new platform in the architecture industry for Brightstar, reflects a growing trend in AEC where strategic partnerships and private equity investments are driving significant growth and innovation.
“This is an exciting new chapter for KZF,” said Doug Marsh, President & CEO of KZF. “We believe that partnering with Brightstar positions us to accelerate our strategic initiatives while preserving the values that define who we are.”
“The acquisition of KZF by Brightstar Capital Partners is the culmination of years of collaboration to find a partner that would solidify the ownership transition of the firm, while maintaining the culture that has made the firm so successful,” said Jeff Adams, Director of Mergers & Acquisitions at Stambaugh Ness.
Further signaling the strategic intent behind this acquisition, Mike Burke, former Chairman and CEO of AECOM, will serve as Chair of KZF’s Board of Directors. As Mike Burke noted, “We see significant opportunity to build upon this foundation – expanding into new markets, attracting additional talent, and scaling through organic growth and a disciplined M&A strategy. In a fragmented industry like this, we believe that uniting aligned firms can drive substantial value and innovation.”
Stambaugh Ness orchestrated this successful acquisition through expert deal structuring, negotiation, and dedicated seller representation. They leveraged deep industry insight to precisely align KZF Design’s strategic goals with the optimal buyer, ensuring a transaction that not only maximized value but also decisively positioned KZF for sustained success and future expansion in a competitive market. To learn more about how Stambaugh Ness helps AEC firms navigate complex transactions and maximize value, visit our Seller Advisory services page.
About Stambaugh Ness
Stambaugh Ness is a multi-disciplinary, professional services firm serving clients nationally with a singular focus on the architecture, engineering, and construction industries. Through Stambaugh Ness, clients have access to a diverse menu of services, including compliance, government contract services, strategic tax solutions, technology and cyber risk advisory, data solutions, Microsoft solutions, Deltek ERP software, strategic growth advisory, workforce and talent solutions, outsourced accounting, ownership transition, and mergers and acquisitions.
The firm is an independent member of the BDO Alliance USA, a nationwide association of independently owned local and regional accounting, consulting, and service firms with similar client service goals.