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

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.

AWP Safety Acquires Washington Traffic Control and Western Traffic Control

July 31, 2024

Industrial Services

AWP Safety, a Kohlberg & Company–backed worksite safety operator, has acquired Washington Traffic Control, LLC (Seattle, Wash.) and Western Traffic Control, LLC (Vancouver, Wash.). The add-on acquisitions expand AWP Safety's traffic control and worksite protection capabilities and strengthen its footprint in Washington and northern Oregon; transaction terms were not disclosed.

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 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.

Universal Group Acquires D&H Flagging

June 12, 2025

Transportation

The Universal Group, a CAI Capital Partners portfolio company, has acquired D&H Flagging, a Portland-based traffic control services provider. The acquisition expands Universal's geographic footprint into Oregon and broadens its traffic control and equipment rental capabilities across the Pacific Northwest.

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

March 5, 2025

Manufacturing

CAI Capital Partners’ portfolio company Universal Group, through its subsidiary Barricades and Signs Ltd., has acquired Airmaster Sales Ltd., a Winnipeg-based manufacturer of traffic control signs serving Manitoba and Saskatchewan. CAI’s equity co-investors in the combined organization include BDC Capital, Roynat Equity Partners and Frind Enterprises; members of the MacCharles family (Liz, Quentin and Keith) will remain involved during the transition.