Akiem enters UK’s train leasing market
Akiem Group has expanded its business to the United Kingdom. The French-German locomotive lessor purchased the rolling stock leasing business of Macquarie Europe Rail. As a result, around 300 units of rolling stock will be added to Akiem’s fleet.
The assets of Macquarie Europe Rail consist of 137 locomotives, 110 wagons and 46 passenger trains (30 electric and 16 diesel units). “In addition, the acquisition of this first passenger train portfolio constitutes an opportunity to accelerate our market positioning with regards to passenger train financing in Europe and in the context of French market liberalisation,” said Fabien Rochefort, CEO of Akiem Group. The deal will be finalised after getting approval from the regulatory bodies.
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European expansion
Akiem Group is actively expanding its business across Europe in recent years. Starting from 2016, the French-German company invested in acquiring more than 200 locomotives. This delivery is scheduled to be completed in 2021. In 2017 Akiem acquired mgw Service, the German major company focused on the rolling stock maintenance.
The purchase of the UK’s major lessor is in line with the expansion strategy. Only regarding the locomotive segment, the joint group will own a diverse portfolio of more than 600 locomotives operated by 65 customers around Europe. “The acquisition of Macquarie European Rail’s rolling stock leasing portfolio is another key milestone in Akiem Group’s European expansion. Our main goal is to better serve our customers with a wider geographical scope and a comprehensive portfolio of rolling stock and services,” added Fabien Rochefort.
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