Universal Group (CAI-backed) Acquires Groupe Signalisation

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 (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.

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 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.

North American Rail Solutions Acquires Condor Signal & Communications

April 9, 2024

Infrastructure

North American Rail Solutions, through its Canadian subsidiary Universal Rail Systems, has acquired Condor Signal & Communications, a rail signals and communications provider based in Oakville, Ontario. The deal brings Condor into Universal Rail's Signals group as an add-on to expand signals & communications capabilities and product offerings across Canada and into the United States; Condor will retain its Oakville offices and continue manufacturing rail switch heaters and related products.