Akiem Group, which announced on 17 February that it had signed a definitive agreement to acquire rolling stock leasing company Macquarie European Rail (MER), received approval by the relevant authorities and has now finalised the transaction.
This acquisition further strengthens Akiem Group’s position among European locomotive leasing companies, giving it the continent’s biggest fleet.
In total Akiem now owns more than 600 locomotives that are operated by 65 operators in Europe and the UK. The transaction has diversified Akiem’s portfolio.
“We are very proud to have finalised the acquisition of Macquarie European Rail. Our group is all systems go to serve rail freight operators throughout Europe who were assuring the transport of around 70% of volumes before the Covid-19 crisis, we firmly believe that rail is the sustainable means of transport that our society needs. We have shared this belief with our financial partners who, despite the unprecedented health situation, have backed us in financing this deal. We’re very pleased to welcome the Macquarie European Rail teams to help serve all our customers and support their development around Europe.”
In total, the transaction between Akiem and MER involves 137 locomotives operated by 21 freight and passenger rail operators in Europe and the United Kingdom, 30 EMUs leased to Greater Anglia – all Class 379 Bombardier Electrostar EMUs for the Stansted Express – and 16 DMUs leased to a Dutch franchise as well as 110 wagons.
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