Global Merger Heats Up Australia’s PFAS Race

Geosyntec’s buy of JBS & G signals intensifying global interest in Australia’s PFAS expertise

20 Jan 2026

Australia’s environmental services sector is seeing a new phase of consolidation as global firms move to strengthen their position in work linked to PFAS, a group of chemicals facing tighter regulatory scrutiny. Geosyntec’s agreement to acquire Australian consultancy JBS & G reflects rising demand for specialist advice as governments and asset owners respond to concerns over so-called “forever chemicals”.

The transaction, announced in January, brings together a US-based environmental consulting group with one of Australia’s best-known advisers on contaminated land and infrastructure. Financial terms have not been disclosed, though industry estimates value the deal at more than A$100mn. Competition approval has been secured, with foreign investment clearance still pending.

PFAS, once treated largely as a technical matter, has become a broader issue for policymakers, businesses and local communities. The chemicals were widely used in products such as firefighting foams and are persistent in the environment. In Australia, as in other markets, regulators are increasing expectations around testing, disclosure and remediation, raising compliance costs for owners of industrial, transport and defence-related sites.

For Geosyntec, the acquisition offers a faster path to expansion in Australia than organic growth. JBS & G brings an established team with experience working with regulators, laboratories and major infrastructure owners, as well as a track record across sectors where PFAS exposure is often most complex.

Industry analysts say the deal fits a wider pattern of consolidation in environmental consulting, as international groups seek scale and specialist expertise. Clients are increasingly looking for advisers who can manage the full lifecycle of contaminated land projects, from site assessment and engagement with authorities to long-term remediation strategies.

The acquisition also aligns with Blackstone’s investment approach for Geosyntec, which focuses on businesses shaped by long-term environmental and regulatory pressures. While consolidation can create challenges around retaining staff and preserving local knowledge, activity in the sector remains strong.

As PFAS moves from a niche concern to a central environmental risk, the Geosyntec–JBS & G deal highlights how consulting firms are positioning themselves for stricter oversight and sustained demand.