The key pointsThe operation with Thales Gts
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Mermec, an Italian excellence in the sectors of advanced technologies for the safety and digitalisation of rail transport, is growing in the world. The Apulian company (the headquarters is in Monopoli, in the province of Bari), has signed a put option agreement with Hitachi Rail to take over the signaling activities of Hitachi’s main lines in France and the signaling businesses in Germany and the United Kingdom United (always owned by Hitachi Rail).
Mermec creates signaling systems, electrical and telecommunications networks in the railway sector and is part of Angel Holding, the group led by Vito Pertosa which operates in 71 countries in the railway, aerospace and digital mechatronics sectors with over 2 thousand employees, of which 1,400 are highly specialists. But let’s go in order.
The operation with Thales Gts
Last October, the European Commission and the British Competition and Markets Authority approved the acquisition of Thales GTS by Hitachi Rail, on condition that the Japanese multinational sold its mainline signaling activities (the main ones), in France, Germany and the United Kingdom. The put option agreement with Mermec is a step forward regarding the compliance requirements established by the antitrust authorities to conclude the acquisition of Thales GTS by Hitachi Rail.
Giuseppe Marino, CEO of Hitachi Rail, says: «We have reached an important milestone towards the final acquisition of Thales Gts, one of the pillars of our growth strategy. The agreement with Mermec is aimed at satisfying a fundamental requirement towards European and British regulatory authorities and represents a decisive step for the acquisition of Thales Gts. This solution will guarantee a long-term future for the businesses involved.”
In fiscal 2022 (ending March 2023), Hitachi Rail recorded more than €5 billion in revenue. The company has approximately 14 thousand employees in 38 countries.