LAKEWOOD, Colo.,— Catamount Constructors, Inc., a 100% employee-owned ENR Top 400 contractor, has announced its acquisition of Freese Johnson, LLC, a full-service general contractor headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.
The move strengthens Catamount’s national platform, expands its operational presence in the Southeast, and enhances its ability to deliver construction solutions across healthcare, commercial, senior living, and student housing sectors. Company leaders said the acquisition aligns with Catamount’s long-term growth strategy and deepens its capabilities in key high-demand markets.
Expanding Presence in the Southeast
Freese Johnson, founded in 2011 and based in Atlanta, has built a reputation for expertise in preconstruction, general contracting, construction management, and design-build services. The firm has developed a strong portfolio spanning healthcare, commercial interiors, multifamily, senior living, and student housing projects.
By integrating Freese Johnson’s regional relationships and project experience, Catamount aims to accelerate its growth throughout the Southeast while maintaining consistent project standards and operational efficiencies across offices in Atlanta, Denver, San Antonio, and Tampa.
The companies already share a collaborative history.
Catamount and Freese Johnson
Our teams have an established track record of successful collaboration. We have jointly secured four acute care hospital projects across the Southeast, as well as a major student housing project in Clemson. This existing relationship provides a strong foundation for seamless integration, aligned teams, streamlined processes, and consistent project standards.
This prior partnership is expected to ease the transition process, allowing teams to integrate quickly while preserving client relationships and operational continuity.
Leadership Addition Strengthens National Strategy
As part of the acquisition, Catamount is welcoming Henry Johnson as Vice President of National Client Development. Johnson brings nearly 29 years of construction industry experience and most recently served as Chief Strategy Officer at Freese Johnson, where he led client strategy and growth initiatives across healthcare, commercial, and student housing markets.
Based in Catamount’s Denver office, Johnson will support client engagement and business development companywide, collaborating with teams across markets to leverage his healthcare expertise and expand opportunities in strategic sectors.
“Henry is a highly respected leader whose experience and client-first mindset fit well with Catamount’s values,” said James Benning, CEO of Catamount Constructors. “His leadership strengthens our capacity to serve clients nationwide and enhances the collaborative culture both organizations value.”
“This partnership marks an exciting new chapter for both companies,” said Johnson. “Joining Catamount allows us to serve clients with greater resources, broader expertise, and a shared focus on delivering outstanding results.”
Industry observers note that healthcare and student housing remain resilient asset classes within commercial construction, particularly in fast-growing Southern markets. Johnson’s background in these sectors may position Catamount to capture additional institutional and developer-led projects in the coming years.
Long-Term Growth and Industry Positioning
The acquisition of Freese Johnson reinforces Catamount’s commitment to sustained national growth while maintaining its employee-owned structure. The company has been ranked in Engineering News-Record’s Top 400 National Contractors for 17 consecutive years, reflecting consistent performance and project volume.
With 29 years of experience providing construction management and general contracting services, Catamount serves a broad range of markets, including industrial, build-to-rent, multifamily, senior living, healthcare, office, retail, automotive, energy, and government.
Company leadership emphasized that safety, quality, and service excellence remain central priorities as the combined organization moves forward.
The deal also reflects broader consolidation trends within the construction industry, where regional contractors are increasingly aligning with national firms to gain scale, deepen technical capabilities, and better compete for complex projects.
As integration efforts move ahead, both companies are expected to focus on aligning operational systems, preserving client relationships, and leveraging shared expertise to pursue new development opportunities across high-growth U.S. markets.
Originally reported by Catamount Constructors Inc in Construction Dive.
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