Civitta expands U.S. market by acquiring consultancy J.E. Austin Associates
We are proud to announce that Civitta is acquiring J.E. Austin Associates (JAA), an Arlington, Virginia-based company with 39 years of experience in economic development consulting.
Every great partnership begins with a shared vision. For years, Civitta and J.E. Austin Associates (JAA) have intersected — operating in similar markets, tackling comparable challenges, and pursuing a common goal: helping organizations and economies grow stronger, implement reforms, and enhance the investment climate and financial accessibility. Over the past 39 years, JAA has been a key player in the U.S. government–funded private sector development projects, specializing in improving the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises, agribusiness, and investment climates worldwide.
This acquisition marks a major global expansion for Civitta, providing a direct presence in the U.S. — the world’s largest consulting market — and a platform to engage in global development assistance. By joining forces, Civitta and JAA combine their expertise to empower local talent in Eastern Europe while addressing development challenges around the world. The collaboration also creates opportunities to share Eastern Europe’s experience and know-how with emerging markets in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Deal at a glance
- Merger: Civitta (Headquartered in Estonia and Lithuania; operating in 22 countries, 2024 turnover of 48 M Euro and J.E. Austin Associates (JAA) (Arlington, VA, 2024 turnover of 8M Dollars)
- Strategic Goal: Entry into the U.S. market and the global development sector, expanding Civitta’s reach beyond its home markets in Central and Eastern Europe.
- Combined Strength: The acquisition unites Civitta’s 700+ experts with JAA’s seasoned team, expanding the group’s global project footprint.
“This is not just a market entry; it’s an acquisition of a world-class strategic legacy and intellectual capital,” said Ander Ojandu, a Partner and Co-Founder at Civitta. “With the ongoing reorganization in the development industry, there is a clear demand for more agile and accountable partners. By combining JAA’s academic foundation, shaped by Harvard Professor Dr. James Austin and enriched by their association with Professor Michael Porter, the Civitta-JE Austin team is in a position to offer quality solutions to emerging markets – not only the countries in the immediate EU periphery – but also Africa, Asia and Latin America.“
Ander Ojandu
“This partnership felt like a natural fit from the very beginning. Both our firms are deeply committed to helping local societies thrive. For our team, joining Civitta means we can continue this mission while also gaining the opportunity to work on a broader range of impactful international projects. It’s a win for both our clients and our people.”- said:
Joe Lowther
About the companies
Civitta
A management and digital consultancy originated and headquartered in Estonia and Lithuania. Civitta has challenged the traditional consultancy model with a lean and collaboration focused business model, growing into a leading management consulting firm in Central and Eastern Europe. With over 700 experts across more than 20 countries, Civitta delivers a full range of consulting and digital services to private and public sector clients, including strategy, innovation, financing, digital transformation, research, digital marketing, software development, design, and creative solutions. The company is focused on making its services more accessible in developing markets beyond Eastern Europe and including markets in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
J.E. Austin Associates
Founded in 1986, J.E. Austin Associates (JAA) is a U.S.-based firm specializing in private sector development. Its team has delivered approximately 700 projects in 123 countries, across 43 economic sectors, focusing on creating economic opportunities, strengthening industries, and improving business environments. The firm has played a pivotal role in advancing competitiveness at the national, industry, and firm level with industry expertise in agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.