Transport group Arriva has announced a deal for a Yorkshire firm that broadens its offering in the rail sector.
The Sunderland firm, which runs public transport services around the Ƶ and abroad, has concluded a deal to acquire RTS Infrastructure, which provides rail depot servicing and infrastructure works such as platform upgrades and track alterations.
The deal includes the lease of RTS’ depot near Leeds Station, as well as the company’s existing maintenance, design and build contracts. Arriva said the acquisition would significantly expand its train maintenance capability.
Amanda Furlong, managing director of Arriva Ƶ Trains, said: “This acquisition is an important investment for the Arriva Group and underlines our commitment to the Ƶ rail industry, building our position within it. RTS Infrastructure not only strengthens our depot capacity, but brings valuable construction and infrastructure capability in-house and enhances our competitiveness in the rail sector. This deal is crucial to our strategy to diversify in the Ƶ rail market and operate more flexibly in a changing policy and commercial environment.”
RTS Infrastructure currently provides supporting services for a range of customers in the rail sector, including Network Rail, train operating companies including Grand Central and Cross Country, and original equipment manufacturers.
Chris Reid, managing director of RTS Infrastructure, said: “We’re thrilled to be joining Arriva Group. We’ve built a successful business over 15 years, delivering high quality infrastructure and depot operations to the Ƶ rail sector and servicing major clients, winning national frameworks and employing an incredibly skilled and dedicated team.
“Becoming part of Arriva will allow us to expand and enhance the services we offer our customers, backed by the strength, scale, and expertise of a pan-European organisation with its established and diverse Ƶ rail portfolio. Our staff will also benefit from being part of the Group, with all the opportunities that will bring for future careers.”
Arriva said the deal was part of its broader European growth strategy, which includes recent investments in fleet, infrastructure and digital innovation to make public transport a more attractive and sustainable option. The Sunderland firm was itself acquired by American investment group I Square Capital last year.
Newcastle law firm Womble Bond Dickinson advised Arriva Group on the deal, with a team of more than 25 lawyers from various departments led corporate partner David Ridley and solicitors Danny Jeffrey and Daniel Plant.
