German company will take over owner of Chiltern Railways after deal is officially approved
Deutsche Bahn has acquired Laing Rail, who own Chiltern Railways.
The takeover is currently awaiting approval from the Department of Transport, Transport for London and the Office for Rail Regulation.
Chiltern Railways will become part of Deutsche Bahn’s regional and local services. The train company will retain its name and the current management team will remain in place.
The takeover marks Deutsche Bahn’s entry into the UK railway market, an area the German rail operator is planning on expanding into. Deutsche Bahn is Europe’s largest passenger operator, carrying 5.1 million passenger a day.
Ulrich Homburg, chairman of the management board of DB Regio, said: “This acquisition gives us great scope for further growth in the UK rail market. We intend to enter into a long-term commitment in Great Britain and make continuous investments in the quality of our services.”
While Adrian Shooter, chairman of Chiltern Railways, commented: “I am looking forward to working with DB to share knowledge and best practice so that both companies can continue to offer better services to our passengers”
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