Hitachi’s swoop on Thales’ rail signalling business backed by regulator

The £1.5billion takeover of French engineering group Thales’ rail signalling business by Japan’s Hitachi has moved closer.

The UK Competition and Markets Authority had said it could harm competition as both supply signalling systems. 

But after Hitachi agreed to sell its mainline signalling business in the UK, France and Germany, the regulator said that was ‘an effective and proportionate remedy’.

Stuart McIntosh, chairman of its inquiry group, said: ‘Hitachi is selling part of its mainline signalling business. 

This will protect competition, key to keeping costs down, maintaining high quality of service and promoting innovation.’