BUKO accelerates UK growth by acquiring London specialist Keltic to advance its leadership in temporary traffic management

BUKO accelerates UK growth by acquiring London specialist Keltic to advance its leadership in temporary traffic management

(IN BRIEF) BUKO Group has acquired London-based Keltic Traffic Management, strengthening its UK presence and advancing its goal of market leadership in temporary traffic management. Backed by Equistone since February 2023, BUKO has pursued rapid expansion, buying Road Traffic Solutions and Hooke Highways in the UK (2024), BVT Bremer Verkehrstechnik in Germany (2024) and Road Rental in Sweden (2025). Founded in 2016 by Damien and Karla Kelly, Keltic is known for complex, high-quality operations serving major civils, utility and telecom clients. BUKO, headquartered in the Netherlands with 1,000+ employees across four countries, offers end-to-end traffic management services and digital solutions. CEO Robert Emmerich praised Keltic’s entrepreneurial and client-centric culture, while Equistone’s Hubert van Wolfswinkel called the deal a key step in BUKO’s European growth strategy. PwC, Ashfords, Clifford Chance, Roland Berger and Marsh advised BUKO; Clearwater and Addleshaw Goddard advised Keltic.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 22-Jul-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — BUKO Group (“BUKO”), a leading European specialist in temporary traffic management, has bolstered its UK footprint through the acquisition of Keltic Traffic Management Limited (“Keltic”), a company renowned for handling complex, London‑centric traffic management projects. Keltic’s reputation for dependable, high-quality service and rapid growth made it a natural fit for BUKO’s ambition to become the UK market leader.

From its headquarters in Barendrecht, the Netherlands, BUKO employs more than 1,000 people across four countries and manages thousands of assignments every year. Founded in 1991, the company delivers a full suite of temporary traffic management services—covering design, planning, permitting, deployment, collection, and on‑site coordination of road signage and safety equipment—plus an innovative portfolio of digital traffic management solutions. Its core clients are contractors and public authorities involved in utility works and urban or rural road projects.

Since funds advised by Equistone acquired a majority stake in February 2023, BUKO has pursued a targeted expansion strategy: deepening its position in the Netherlands while moving into select European markets where demand is strong. In March 2024, BUKO entered the UK by purchasing Road Traffic Solutions, followed by Hooke Highways in November 2024. The company crossed into Germany in October 2024 with BVT Bremer Verkehrstechnik, and into Sweden in March 2025 via Road Rental. The Keltic deal is the newest step on this international growth path.

Established in 2016 by Damien and Karla Kelly, Keltic serves a broad roster of customers, including major civil engineering, utilities and telecommunications firms. “We are proud of what we, together with the team, have built in recent years,” said Damien Kelly, founder and Managing Director. “Partnering with BUKO will give us extra support and capability to elevate the service we deliver. We’re excited for Keltic’s next phase—and for the opportunities our people will have within a strong, international organization.”

“I have been impressed by Damien and Karla’s entrepreneurial drive and their customer‑focused, results‑oriented mindset,” commented Robert Emmerich, CEO of BUKO. “Their way of working mirrors BUKO’s—professional, flexible and laser‑focused on clients. With this strategic acquisition, we are reinforcing our position in the Greater London area.”

Hubert van Wolfswinkel, Partner at Equistone in Amsterdam, added: “Keltic has proven itself as a highly successful London-based traffic management specialist, and we’re delighted to partner with this ambitious team. This move is another milestone in BUKO’s plan to become the premier temporary traffic management provider across the UK and Europe.”

Advisers on the transaction
BUKO was advised by PwC (Financial & Tax), Ashfords and Clifford Chance (Legal), Roland Berger (Commercial) and Marsh (Insurance).
Keltic received advice from Clearwater (M&A) and Addleshaw Goddard (Legal).

Media Contacts:

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SOURCE: Equistone

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