STRABAG plans further growth in the UK
9 April 2026
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- Publicly listed Van Elle Holdings plc is one of the largest ground engineering contractors in the UK
- The board of directors of STRABAG UK Ltd and Van Elle Holdings plc have reached an agreement on the terms of the acquisition, which the Van Elle board is recommending to its shareholders
As part of its Strategy 2030, STRABAG continues to pursue a broader diversification of its country portfolio. Building on its strong and well-established market position in Central and Eastern Europe, the Group aims to expand into additional key markets.
STRABAG has already demonstrated its capabilities in the UK through major infrastructure initiatives, such as the expansion of the HS2 railway line and the Haweswater Aqueduct Replacement Programme (HARP), a major upgrade scheme to maintain drinking water supplies across Cumbria, Lancashire and Greater Manchester. Leveraging this experience, STRABAG plans to further strengthen its capabilities and increase its value creation in both building construction and infrastructure projects.
STRABAG has identified Van Elle as a strong strategic fit. Van Elle has established market positions as a leading ground engineering and geotechnical specialist in the UK. Complementary client relationships and end markets, particularly in the residential, water and energy sectors, create attractive opportunities, broaden the combined civil engineering offering around ground engineering works, and generate revenue synergies. Van Elle delivered 2025 revenues of around £ 130 million (approx. € 150 million) and has more than 600 employees.
The board of directors of STRABAG UK and Van Elle have reached an agreement on the terms and conditions of a recommended cash offer pursuant to which STRABAG UK will acquire the entire issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of Van Elle. The acquisition is currently intended to be implemented by means of a Court-sanctioned scheme of arrangement under Part 26 of the Companies Act. The acquisition is expected to be completed by the end of June 2026, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain terms and conditions, including the approval of the acquisition by Van Elle’s shareholders. Van Elle is currently listed on the Alternative Investment Market (“AIM”) market of the London Stock Exchange, but it is intended that its admission to AIM will be cancelled, and it will be re-registered as a private limited company following completion.
STRABAG has already demonstrated its capabilities in the UK through major infrastructure initiatives, such as the expansion of the HS2 railway line and the Haweswater Aqueduct Replacement Programme (HARP), a major upgrade scheme to maintain drinking water supplies across Cumbria, Lancashire and Greater Manchester. Leveraging this experience, STRABAG plans to further strengthen its capabilities and increase its value creation in both building construction and infrastructure projects.
STRABAG has identified Van Elle as a strong strategic fit. Van Elle has established market positions as a leading ground engineering and geotechnical specialist in the UK. Complementary client relationships and end markets, particularly in the residential, water and energy sectors, create attractive opportunities, broaden the combined civil engineering offering around ground engineering works, and generate revenue synergies. Van Elle delivered 2025 revenues of around £ 130 million (approx. € 150 million) and has more than 600 employees.
The board of directors of STRABAG UK and Van Elle have reached an agreement on the terms and conditions of a recommended cash offer pursuant to which STRABAG UK will acquire the entire issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of Van Elle. The acquisition is currently intended to be implemented by means of a Court-sanctioned scheme of arrangement under Part 26 of the Companies Act. The acquisition is expected to be completed by the end of June 2026, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain terms and conditions, including the approval of the acquisition by Van Elle’s shareholders. Van Elle is currently listed on the Alternative Investment Market (“AIM”) market of the London Stock Exchange, but it is intended that its admission to AIM will be cancelled, and it will be re-registered as a private limited company following completion.
A copy of the full announcement can be found on STRABAG UK’s website.
