Arriva UK Rail: RTS Infrastructure Acquisition & Growth Strategy

“`html

Introduction

Arriva Group has finalized its acquisition of RTS Infrastructure, marking its entry into the rail infrastructure construction market and expanding its maintenance capabilities with a modern depot near Leeds.

Acquisition Details

Arriva Group has completed the acquisition of RTS Infrastructure. The deal includes the takeover of RTS Infrastructure’s train maintenance and depot operations, as well as its design and build rail infrastructure business. RTS Infrastructure holds a Network Rail Principal Contractor Licence.

Strategic Expansion

The acquisition allows Arriva to deliver infrastructure projects directly, representing a new service area for the Group. This strategic move supports Arriva’s plan to diversify its UK rail portfolio and strengthen long-term growth.

Operational Enhancements

The acquisition includes the lease of a modern rail maintenance facility near Leeds Station. This expansion complements the existing Arriva TrainCare business and increases the Group’s overnight servicing capacity for rail vehicles. RTS Infrastructure, based in Leeds, delivers depot servicing and infrastructure works such as platform upgrades and track alterations across the UK. Arriva will take over RTS’s existing maintenance and construction contracts.

Executive Commentary

Amanda Furlong, Managing Director of Arriva UK Trains, stated, “This acquisition is an important investment for the Arriva Group and underlines our commitment to the UK rail industry, building our position within it. RTS Infrastructure not only strengthens our depot capacity, but brings valuable construction and infrastructure capability in-house and enhances our competitiveness in the rail sector. This deal is crucial to our strategy to diversify in the UK rail market and operate more flexibly in a changing policy and commercial environment.” Paul Hutchings, Managing Director of Arriva Rail Services, added, “RTS Infrastructure is a great fit for our UK rail business, bringing an expanded depot footprint and new opportunities to deliver design and construction services. With a skilled team and strong order book, the acquisition will help us better serve new and existing clients.” Chris Reid, Managing Director of RTS Infrastructure, said, “We’re thrilled to be joining Arriva Group. We’ve built a successful business over 15 years, delivering high-quality infrastructure and depot operations to the UK rail sector and servicing major clients, winning national frameworks and employing an incredibly skilled and dedicated team. Becoming part of Arriva will allow us to expand and enhance the services we offer our customers, backed by the strength, scale, and expertise of a pan-European organisation with its established and diverse UK rail portfolio.”

Conclusion

RTS Infrastructure will continue operating under its existing contracts, with no changes to employee roles or customer agreements. The acquisition allows Arriva to offer a more comprehensive range of services across the rail industry.

Company Summary

Arriva Group: Completed the acquisition of RTS Infrastructure, expanding its presence in the UK rail sector. The acquisition includes train maintenance and depot operations, design and build rail infrastructure, and the lease of a modern rail maintenance facility near Leeds Station.

RTS Infrastructure: Based in Leeds, delivers depot servicing and infrastructure works across the UK. The company holds a Network Rail Principal Contractor Licence and will continue to operate under its existing contracts following the acquisition by Arriva Group.

“`