Press release -
Hitachi Rail and Mer Mec sign put option for sale of French mainline signalling business, and signalling business units in Germany and the UK
Hitachi Rail and Mer Mec S.p.A. have signed a put option agreement for the sale of Hitachi Rail’s mainline signalling business in France, as well as its signalling business units in Germany and the UK.
In October 2023, the European Commission and the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority approved Hitachi Rail’s acquisition of Thales GTS, provided that Hitachi Rail divested its mainline signalling businesses in France, Germany and the UK. The put option agreement signed with Mer Mec is a step forwards in addressing the conditions set by the antitrust authorities for the closure of Hitachi Rail’s acquisition of Thales GTS.
Commenting, Giuseppe Marino, Group CEO, Hitachi Rail said:
“Today we have achieved a major milestone towards the final acquisition of Thales GTS, which is a key part of our growth strategy.
“The agreement follows a key commitment to European and UK regulators and is a step forwards in our acquisition of Thales GTS. This solution also will grant the divested business a long-term future.”
Commenting, Vito Pertosa, President of Mer Mec Group and of its parent company ANGEL Holding said:
“We are delighted to have signed this agreement, which represents an important step towards the acquisition of this historic signalling company.
“We are confident that the synergies that will be achieved with Mer Mec Group, led by our CEO Luca Necchi Ghiri, will further increase our competitive advantages, strengthening our worldwide presence.”
ENDS
For more information from Hitachi Rail, please contact:
Adam Love, Hitachi Rail – adam.love@hitachirail.com or +1 437 234 4024
Ed Brown, Hitachi Rail – ed.brown@hitachirail.com or +44 7850 071 287
For more information about Mer Mec, please contact:
Nicola Dambra, nicola.dambra@angelcompany.com
Ilaria Trapuzzano, ilaria.trapuzzano@angelcompany.com
Notes to the editors:
- The divestment of Hitachi Rail's mainline signalling business and support functions includes over 550 employees in France, Germany and the UK.
- Hitachi Rail will retain its other operations in those countries, including its centre for CBTC technology in France and its rolling stock and maintenance business in the UK.
- Hitachi Rail’s French mainline signalling business was formerly known as Compagnie de signaux et d’entreprises électriques (CSEE) and has a long and proud history of delivering mainline signalling systems in France.
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About Hitachi Rail
Hitachi Rail is connecting the future of mobility - helping every passenger, customer and community enjoy the benefits of more seamless, sustainable transport.
With innovative technology and world-leading delivery capabilities, Hitachi Rail is a trusted partner to customers and consortia partners globally. The company is an expert in every part of the railway: from train manufacturing and maintenance to digital signalling and smart mobility. Its pioneering products, such as the iconic high speed bullet train, enable billions of passenger journeys and the transport of millions of tonnes of freight, every year.
Drawing on the powerful expertise of the wider Hitachi group companies, Hitachi Rail is uniquely placed to further enhance its offer to customers through pioneering new digital solutions and services.
In FY22, Hitachi Rail had revenues of over €5bn. The company has around 14,000 employees in 38 countries, and it invests in its diverse and talented teams.
Hitachi Rail’s business is local, but its reach is global. With deep roots in its communities, the company is committed to delivering sustainable progress for all.
Find out about more by visiting hitachirail.com
About MER MEC
MER MEC is an Italian multinational company, founded in 1970, which is global leader and a technology innovator in the design and development of advanced technologies to world’s railways and rapid transits. MER MEC has a unique portfolio of end-to-end solutions spanning from signalling, electric traction and telecommunications to measuring trains and railway asset digitalization, that are currently in use in 73 countries worldwide.
MERMEC is a member company of ANGEL, the high-tech holding that includes some of the most innovative Italian companies in the fields of transportation and mobility, space, aviation and mechatronics.
After the acquisition ANGEL will have around 3,000 employees with revenues of EUR 700 million and an order backlog worth around EUR 3 billion
Find out about more by visiting mermecgroup.com and angelcompany.com
