Global companies snap up Australian SMEs for local expertise and market access
Foreign firms bought several Australian specialist businesses in 2026. They wanted established teams and strong client relationships in fast-growing sectors.
Global companies are buying more and more specialist Australian small businesses to operate in infrastructure, defence, energy and resources. In 2026 alone, many international groups bought or said they would buy Australian firms.
STRABAG is buying WA road surfacing firm KEE Surfacing. AtkinsRéalis bought defence consultancy Coras.
Metso bought Newcastle automation specialist MRA Automation. Sweden's AxFlow bought into water systems business Dowdens Group.
France's Sia bought transformation consultancy Seven Consulting. New Zealand's Beca bought regional Queensland environmental and planning consultancy CQG Consulting.
Foreign buyers made up about 30 to 40 percent of Australian M&A by value over the past year. Buyers want teams and clients already working together.
Strong reputations take many years and money to build. Queensland is attracting interest from international investors.
The state has opportunities in critical minerals, renewable energy and green metals.
- 30 to 40 percent by value
- Foreign M&A share
- Over 20 years
- Time to build reputation
- Patrice Brown
- CQG director
Why it mattersAustralian specialist firms are firms foreign companies want to buy. Foreign investment shows confidence in Australia's infrastructure and resources sectors.
AustraliaAustralian businesses in defence, energy and infrastructure are increasingly owned by foreign companies, reshaping industry ownership.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 9 h ago
