The tie-up will see the two firms work together across major infrastructure sectors including water, energy, defence and rail.

Van Elle boss Mark Cutler said the deal builds on a long-standing trading relationship and will unlock joint delivery opportunities across UK infrastructure frameworks.

He added: “This agreement brings us closer together as strategic partners, providing mutual benefits to both parties.”

The deal strengthens Van Elle’s hand in the piling market, with new kit and additional capability to target large packages on multi-year investment programmes.

Two years ago Van Elle struck a deal to buy Galliford Try-owned piling specialist Rock and Alluvium for an initial payment of £1.8m, including a five-year trading deal with the main contractor to provide piling and geotechnical services.