Van Elle chief executive Mark Cutler will move to an advisory role across the Strabag UK business.

Moving forward, former COO Malcolm O’Sullivan and preconstruction director Matt Love are promoted to joint managing director roles, working alongside chief financial officer Graeme Campbell.

Strabag’s move for the business gives the European construction giant a major foothold in the UK geotechnical and piling market as it targets £1bn revenue in 2028.

Van Elle is expected to turn over around £150m, although this year’s performance is expected to be below previous profit forecasts.

The piling contractor has built a strong presence in the energy and water sectors as housing and rail specialism were impacted by slowing markets.

Strabag’s total UK operations, including HS2 and Anglo American’s Woodsmith mine project originally secured by the Austrian parent business, now turns over around £600m.

Managing director at Strabag, Simon Wild said: “This acquisition is part of our growth strategy in the UK and enables us to combine Strabag’s broad resources and expertise with Van Elle’s vast knowledge and wealth of experience in ground engineering and geotechnical specialism.

“We look forward to the team at Van Elle joining us at this exciting time for Strabag in the UK.”