L.A. Engineering Firm Cordoba Corp. Receives Investment from VSS Capital Partners

VSS Capital Partners, a New York-based private investment firm specializing in flexible capital solutions for founder-led businesses, announced a significant growth investment in Los Angeles-based Cordoba LLC, an engineering, construction and program management firm serving municipalities, public agencies and institutional customers across the Pacific Coast. Financial terms of the private transaction were not disclosed.

“Cordoba attracted interest from many capable financial partners, but VSS stood apart. Their experience with founder-led enterprises and AEC expertise showed they understood the strength and integrity of the company we’ve built,” said George L. Pla, founder and chief executive of Cordoba, in a statement. “We set out to find a minority investment partner that would provide the capital to accelerate our growth while reinforcing who we are. Together, we look forward to empowering Pacific Coast communities as they meet their facilities, energy, transportation and water infrastructure needs.”

Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Los Angeles, Cordoba brings over four decades of experience, comprehensive cross-functional engineering competencies and in-depth knowledge of construction management, engineering, environmental and infrastructure services. The company employs over 400 professionals, including licensed engineers, project managers and technical specialists supporting end-markets, including education and facilities, energy, transportation and water.

Cordoba’s to-date engagements include notable capital improvement projects totaling more than $250 billion since its inception in 1983. Recent projects include a central role in Metro’s Eastside Transit Corridor Phase 2, a transformative project with a $9-billion program value. Cordoba completed advanced conceptual engineering on the 9-mile program and is currently providing preliminary engineering services for the first 4.6-mile initial operating segment.

“Under George L. Pla’s 43 years of leadership, Cordoba has built an impressive, award-winning business widely recognized for successfully managing large-scale construction and infrastructure projects throughout California and beyond,” said Jeffrey Stevenson, managing partner at VSS, in a statement. “We see significant growth opportunities ahead for George and Cordoba’s talented team of highly skilled engineers.”

VSS has more than three decades of experience partnering with founder-owned lower-middle-market businesses seeking to accelerate their next phase of growth. Having partnered with founders across more than 100 platform investments, the firm has helped companies scale, strengthen their market positions and evolve into industry leaders. VSS is recognized for its ability to identify and partner with companies with high-growth potential operating in niche, highly fragmented sectors within healthcare, education and business services.

Cabrera Capital Markets served as financial advisor on the transaction to Cordoba, and FBT Gibbons LLP served as legal counsel, while Proskauer Rose provided counsel to VSS.

Information for this story was provided by VSS Capital Partners.