With this acquisition, Colas Rail will be able to establish itself in the German market and continue its external growth strategy focused on countries with stable economies and high investment potential in rail infrastructure. It is expected that the acquisition will close during the fourth quarter of 2022, subject to the approval of the relevant antitrust authority.
"This acquisition illustrates our growth strategy across the G20. Once the Hasselmann Group has been integrated into the Colas Rail family, we intend to expand throughout Germany," said Hervé Le Joliff, CEO of Colas Rail.
The family-owned Hasselmann Group includes three operating companies: Hasselmann GmbH (railway infrastructure), NTG GmbH (railway lines), and LGM Logistik GmbH (railway safety). The three companies operate on conventional lines in central Germany, Hesse to Saxony, mainly for Deutsche Bahn. The Hasselmann Group currently has 300 employees and posted €70 million in revenue for 2021.
At the heart of the dynamically developing rail market in Germany, Colas Rail wants to contribute its know-how and expertise in rail infrastructure, but also its ability to handle complex and multidisciplinary projects.
“Our aim is to increasingly contribute our competence and experience for the further modernisation and development of the German and European rail infrastructure and we are now looking forward to taking on this exciting challenge as part of the Colas Group or Colas Rail. We are convinced that this step is the right decision for the future and further successful development of our group of companies. “ explains Peter Krauß, Managing Director of Hasselmann GmbH.
The German government has decided to invest an additional €86 billion over 10 years to renew the national network, which is the second largest in the world with more than 61,000 km of lines. Colas Rail, with its ambition to be a world leader in innovative and sustainable mobility solutions, could then play an important role in implementing the investment proposals.
