Hooke Highways Acquired by BUKO Traffic & Safety in Strategic Expansion
Deal News | Nov 26, 2024 | Panoramic Growth Equity (PGE)
Panoramic Growth Equity (Panoramic), a prominent debt and equity investor in UK regional SMEs, has announced a complete exit from its investment in Hooke Highways, a traffic management company headquartered in Somerset. Hooke Highways, recognized for its comprehensive traffic management services, has been experiencing significant growth, partly due to new customer acquisitions and an expanded service line-up marked by a recent acquisition. This exit culminated after a four-year holding period by Panoramic’s second fund, bringing strong returns to its investors. The company has been acquired by BUKO Traffic & Safety, a leading firm in safety and traffic management operating across multiple countries, including the UK. BUKO is supported by Equistone and sees this acquisition as part of its strategy to expand in the UK. Legal advisory roles were fulfilled by David Easdown of JMW Solicitors and James Gordon of Gordons Partnership for the respective parties involved.
Sectors
- Financial Services
- Transportation Infrastructure
- Safety and Traffic Management
Geography
- United Kingdom – Hooke Highways is based in the UK and Panoramic Growth Equity focuses on UK regional SMEs.
- Netherlands – BUKO Traffic & Safety, the acquirer, is a Dutch-headquartered company.
- Germany – BUKO Traffic & Safety operates in Germany as well, expanding their geographical reach.
Industry
- Financial Services – Panoramic Growth Equity is involved as a financial investor, managing SME investments and exits.
- Transportation Infrastructure – Hooke Highways provides traffic management services, which are a critical component of transportation infrastructure.
- Safety and Traffic Management – Both Hooke Highways and BUKO Traffic & Safety operate in this industry, focusing on managing and ensuring safety on roads.
Financials
- Not Disclosed – The financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed, but the exit generated strong returns for Panoramic's investors.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panoramic Growth Equity | Selling Company | Company | A leading debt and equity investor in UK regional SMEs. |
| Hooke Highways | Target Company | Company | A traffic management operator headquartered in Somerset, UK. |
| BUKO Traffic & Safety | Bidding Company | Company | A Dutch headquartered safety and traffic management business, expanding into the UK market. |
| Equistone | Backer of Acquirer | Company | Backs BUKO Traffic & Safety, supporting its expansion strategy. |
| JMW Solicitors | Legal Advisor to Panoramic | Company | Provided legal advice during the transaction. |
| Gordons Partnership Solicitors | Legal Advisor to Hooke Highways | Company | Provided legal advice on the sale. |
| Stephen Campbell | Partner at Panoramic | Person | Led the investment and exit for Panoramic. |
| David Atkinson | Investment Leader | Person | Led the investment into Hooke Highways along with Stephen Campbell. |
| David Easdown | Legal Advisor | Person | Provided legal advice to Panoramic. |
| James Gordon | Legal Advisor | Person | Provided legal advice to Hooke Highways. |