Skip to main content

Ricardo to acquire international rail business

International engineering and technology company Ricardo has announced an agreement to acquire the business, operating assets and employees engaged in the businesses of LR Rail, from Lloyd's Register Group. The acquisition will be materially complete on or before 1 July 2015 and the business will operate as the core of a new international rail business within Ricardo and combined with Ricardo's existing rail industry expertise, to be branded Ricardo Rail. Current LR Rail managing director Paul Seller wi
April 20, 2015 Read time: 2 mins
RSSInternational engineering and technology company 5606 Ricardo has announced an agreement to acquire the business, operating assets and employees engaged in the businesses of LR Rail, from Lloyd's Register Group.

The acquisition will be materially complete on or before 1 July 2015 and the business will operate as the core of a new international rail business within Ricardo and combined with Ricardo's existing rail industry expertise, to be branded Ricardo Rail. Current LR Rail managing director Paul Seller will take on the role of managing director of the Ricardo Rail business.

According to Ricardo, the acquisition is central to the delivery of growth in transportation and security, one of the company's three strategic pillars alongside energy and scarce resources and waste. The acquisition of LR Rail and the future growth of this business is driven by the increasing global interest in urban and high speed networks and the integration of critical and complex rail technologies as governments respond to accelerating levels of urbanisation. Ricardo therefore sees a strong and increasing demand for technical consulting and assurance services in the rail sector.

L R Rail is a highly successful rail consultancy and assurance business and is a trusted partner to a wide range of international clients. The company recorded, on a standalone basis, revenues of US$72 million in 2014 and has a staff of 440 rail engineers and specialists located at offices across Europe, Asia and the Middle East. LR Rail uses its understanding of critical and complex technologies and its independent expert advice to provide services ranging from rolling stock design, signalling and train control, intelligent rail systems, operational efficiency improvement, training and independent assurance services.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Michelin to acquire Sascar
    June 9, 2014
    In a deal valued at a total of US$709 million, Michelin has announced its intention to acquire all outstanding shares of Sascar, the leading Brazilian digital fleet management and freight security company. The acquisition will enable Michelin to expand its service offering for truckers and to speed the growth of its truck tyre business in Brazil, while Sascar will gain access to Michelin’s major customers in South America. of this company, whose business model has proved its worth in Brazil (33,000 f
  • Double awards for Cubic and TfL’s contactless payment system
    March 19, 2015
    Cubic Transportation Systems and Transport for London’s (TfL) contactless bankcard payment system are the proud recipients of two prestigious awards for Outstanding Project at the 2015 UK Rail Industry Awards, followed by Most Innovative Transport Project at the London Transport Awards. Launched in 2012, the contactless bankcard system was extended in 2014 to cover London’s entire transit network – including Tube, rail, and bus and tram services. The success of the contactless payment project in London is b
  • Harman to acquire Interchain Solution of Bangalore
    August 8, 2012
    Harman, the global audio and infotainment group has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Interchain Solution, based in Bangalore, India. The company has an array of cost-effective hardware platforms which are deployed for fleet tracking, connectivity, telematics applications and an Android-based Infotainment solution for automotive OEMs. Some of Interchain’s current customers include TeleAtlas, Aljacs Toyota, MapmyIndia and government institutions such as police and transport departments of variou
  • Q-Free expands technology offering with acquisition of TCS
    January 2, 2013
    Norwegian-headquartered tolling specialist Q-Free is to acquire 100 per cent of the shares of TCS International (TCS). Established more than ten years ago, TCS has fifteen employees, with offices in Boston, US, and a subsidiary in Toronto, Canada. The company provides advanced transportation management systems (ATMS), specialising in intelligent parking guidance and management systems. TCS offers consulting solutions and systems design for a wide range of clients including cities, transportation organisati