Hitachi to complete acquisition of Thales's Ground Transportation Business by 2023

Tokyo, Japan (Urban Transport News): Hitachi's planned acquisition of Thales' Ground Transportation Systems (GTS) business was announced in August 2021. Since that time, Hitachi Rail and Thales have been making steady progress towards securing the regulatory approvals necessary for the transaction to proceed, including achieving merger clearances in 9 out of the 13 required jurisdictions.

Hitachi's Railway division is currently in discussion with the European Commission's Directorate-General for Competition (DG Competition) with a view to securing approval of the transaction in the EU.

On December, 9 2022, the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced its intention to open a "Phase II" review of the transaction. The parties are reviewing the decision, but as a result it is now likely that the closing of the transaction will occur in the second half of 2023, instead of early 2023.

"Hitachi and Thales strongly believe in the competitive benefits of the transaction, which will deliver value for customers in the rail signalling and mobility sectors in the UK, Europe and globally. Despite being disappointed by impact of the CMA's decision on the timeline, Hitachi remains committed to working with Thales and all regulatory bodies to ensure the successful close of the transaction as soon as possible," said an statement.

Hitachi's Railway division provides rail solutions across rolling stock, signalling, service & maintenance, digital technology and turnkey solutions. However, Thales and Hitachi are still struggling to expand their rail businesses in Asian countries due to merger of Bombardier Transportation with Alstom Transport.

Hitachi is also talking with American firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. Inc, (also known as KKR & Co.) to sell its transportation business unit.