Johnson Pope Represents George F. Young, Inc. in Strategic Partnership with SSR

Johnson, Pope, Bokor, Ruppel & Burns, LLP is pleased to announce that the firm represented George F. Young, Inc. (“GFY”), one of the oldest continuously operating engineering, surveying, and consulting firms in St. Petersburg, in its in its strategic partnership with Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (“SSR”), a Nashville-based engineering and consulting firm.

Founded in 1919, George F. Young has been instrumental in nearly every major infrastructure project across the Tampa Bay region for more than a century. The sale marks a major milestone for one of Florida’s most respected locally owned businesses and reflects the continued vitality of the state’s engineering and consulting sector.  The combined company will provide SSR & GFY’s clients with an expansion of services with 11 service lines, a larger geographic reach of 25 offices and total staff numbering over 700. 

Johnson Pope provided comprehensive legal counsel to GFY throughout the transaction, including corporate and M&A representation, due diligence, contract negotiation, real estate, intellectual property, tax, and general counsel services. The multidisciplinary team was led by Ryan Griffin (general counsel; litigation) and Mike Magidson (corporate; M&A), with key support from Adam Kravatz (corporate; M&A), Vitauts Gulbis (tax), Zachary Messa (intellectual property), and Chris White (real estate).

“This transaction highlights the strength of our local relationships and the depth of our experience helping long-standing Florida businesses navigate significant transitions,” said Mike Magidson, Partner at Johnson Pope. “As a firm deeply rooted in this community, we are proud to support companies like George F. Young that have helped shape the Tampa Bay area for generations.”

The acquisition underscores Johnson Pope’s position as a trusted, locally based alternative to national firms for Florida businesses pursuing complex mergers and acquisitions. With integrated expertise across multiple practice areas, the firm provided GFY with a seamless, one-stop legal solution tailored to its strategic and operational goals.

If your business is exploring a merger, acquisition, or strategic partnership, connect with Ryan Griffin or Mike Magidson to learn how Johnson Pope can guide your next transaction with local insight and multidisciplinary support.

Contact our Corporate and M&A team