United Group snaps up Alstom for $267.5m

<p>United Group has strengthened its hand at the top of Australia’s rail manufacture and maintenance industry after completing the buy-out of Alstom’s Australian and New Zealand operations.</p> <p>United, which is the parent company of rollingstock supply and maintenance firm United Goninan, must first get consent from the Victorian public transport director, but the company does not believe there are any obvious impediments to approval.</p> <p>The group’s chief executive, Richard Leupen, said the acquisition would complement United’s existing rail businesses.</p> <p>"United Group will become the clear leader in rail supply and maintenance services in Australia, with an emerging presence in New Zealand and Hong Kong," Mr Leupen said.</p> <p>"Strong infrastructure spending in Australia’s passenger and freight rail sectors is expected to continue for a number of years."</p> <p>The group was now better placed to capture this investment, he said.</p> <p>Alstom’s Australasian operations include rollingstock supply and maintenance and road and rail infrastructure services and maintenance.</p> <p>This acquisition also gave United a hand in the tram market and strengthened its position in the light rail passenger market, Mr Leupen said.</p> <br />