Fort Lauderdale–based Moss Construction has acquired Ellison Construction, a Tampa-based builder, as part of its continued expansion strategy in Florida and other high-growth markets. The deal was announced Dec. 22, though financial terms were not disclosed.
Under the agreement, Ellison Construction will be fully integrated into Moss’ building operations, with the Ellison Construction name expected to sunset. Approximately 40 Ellison team members have transitioned to Moss as part of the transaction, according to Danny Jovic, Moss’ director of communications.
The acquisition strengthens Moss’ presence in Florida, which the company describes as one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, and positions the contractor for broader geographic expansion.
“This acquisition is about building a stronger, more resilient business — one that can better serve our clients, invest in our people, and help shape the future of the Tampa Bay communities where we live and build,” Moss CEO Scott Moss said in the news release.
While Ellison Construction will be absorbed into Moss’ construction platform, Ellison Development and Ellison Advisors, the firm’s development and owner’s representative businesses, will continue to operate independently and are not part of the transaction, Jovic confirmed.
Ellison Construction’s workforce and project portfolio will move forward under the Moss banner, supporting Moss’ growing commercial building operations across the state.
Founded in 2007 as EWI Construction, Ellison Construction has built a strong regional reputation delivering projects across hospitality, multifamily, and education sectors, aligning closely with Moss’ existing market strengths.
Ellison President Cory Ellison emphasized the long-term strategic intent behind the deal.
“This was a thoughtful decision about future growth and what best serves our people and clients,” Ellison said in the news release.
Moss Construction ranks among the nation’s largest contractors, generating $3.7 billion in revenue in 2024 and placing No. 41 on Engineering News-Record’s 2025 Top 400 Contractors list. The firm has steadily expanded its geographic footprint and service offerings through organic growth and targeted acquisitions.
The Moss-Ellison transaction comes amid a broader wave of M&A activity across the construction industry, as firms seek scale, market diversification, and operational resilience in response to labor constraints, cost pressures, and increased project complexity.
Recent high-profile deals include WSP’s $3.3 billion acquisition of TRC Companies, strengthening its power and energy capabilities, and Jacobs’ $1.6 billion purchase of the remaining shares of PA Consulting, following its initial investment in 2021.
With continued population growth, infrastructure investment, and private development activity across Florida, contractors are increasingly targeting the state as a strategic hub for long-term expansion. Moss’ acquisition of Ellison underscores the importance of regional expertise and established local teams as firms compete for major projects in the Southeast.
As consolidation continues across the sector, industry observers expect similar roll-up strategies to persist into 2026, particularly among large general contractors seeking to deepen regional density while maintaining local relationships.
Originally reported by Matthew Thibault, Reporter in Construction Dive.
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