Universal Group (Barricades and Signs) Acquires Airmaster Sales Ltd.

Universal Group Acquires Barricades and Signs Ltd.

December 10, 2024

Industrial Services

The Universal Group, a CAI Capital Partners portfolio company, has acquired Barricades and Signs Ltd., a leading traffic control and sign manufacturer headquartered near Edmonton, Alberta. CAI and equity co-investors including BDC Capital, Roynat Equity Partners and Frind Enterprises invested in the combined organization, while Jan van Bruggen will continue to lead Barricades and become a shareholder in the Universal Group.

Universal Group (CAI-backed) Acquires Groupe Signalisation

May 5, 2022

Transportation

Universal Group, a CAI Capital Partners-backed platform, has acquired Groupe Signalisation (Signalisation de l'Estrie and subsidiaries), a Quebec-based traffic control services and equipment rental company. The add-on expands Universal's geographic presence in Québec and strengthens its national traffic management platform; CAI's co-investors in the combined organization include BDC Capital, Roynat Equity Partners and Frind Enterprises.

Halifax Group Invests in Universal Air Conditioner

November 13, 2024

Automotive

Halifax Group completed a growth investment in Universal Air Conditioner, LLC (UAC), a Mansfield, Texas–based designer and distributor of aftermarket HVAC components for cars, trucks and heavy-duty equipment. Co-CEOs Francisco Coll and Sophia Coll Crowley will remain in leadership and retain a significant ownership stake as Halifax provides the company’s first institutional capital to support expansion and platform-building in the automotive aftermarket.

The Universal Group (CAI Portfolio) Acquires Advanced Traffic Control (Auburn, WA)

December 6, 2022

Infrastructure

The Universal Group, a CAI Capital Partners portfolio company, has acquired Advanced Traffic Control (ATC), a traffic control services provider based in Auburn, Washington. CAI and co-investors BDC Capital, Roynat Equity Partners and Frind Enterprises backed the transaction as equity co-investors; debt financing was provided by Bank of Montreal, CIBC and Scotiabank. This marks Universal's first U.S. acquisition as part of a contiguous Pacific Northwest expansion, and ATC's founders will remain in leadership and as shareholders.

Universal Group Acquires Beacon Lite (Ottawa) Ltd. and Signebec

July 22, 2021

Transportation

Universal Group, a portfolio company of CAI Capital Partners, has completed the strategic add-on acquisition of Beacon Lite (Ottawa) Ltd. and Signebec to expand its geographic footprint and create a national platform for traffic control services. CAI’s equity co-investors in the combined organization include BDC Capital, Roynat Equity Partners and Frind Enterprises; debt financing was provided by BMO, CIBC and Scotiabank. Beacon Lite’s leadership (Luc and Simon Lemay) will continue to lead the business and become shareholders of the combined organization.

Univerus Media (Univerus Software) Acquires Capital Networks Limited

December 10, 2025

Software

Univerus Media Inc., a subsidiary of Univerus Software, acquired Capital Networks Limited, a Toronto-based digital signage software company. The transaction closed on December 10, 2025 and expands Univerus's digital signage and media-content capabilities across hospitality, healthcare, education and corporate markets.