On April 13 Channel Tunnel operator Getlink completed an internal reorganisation of its corporate structure. Groupe Eurotunnel SE transferred its holdings in the two concessionaires France Manche SA and The Channel Tunnel Group Ltd to Eurotunnel Holding SAS, in order to ring fence the fixed link activities from other group operations including freight operator Europorte, electric interconnector company ElecLink and property development. Groupe Eurotunnel SE then formally changed its name to Getlink SE on April 18.
On April 26 the Swedish parliament approved the Luxembourg Rail Protocol, which will therefore be formally ratified by the government in the coming weeks. Sweden would be the third state (as well as the EU) to ratify the Protocol, which needs a minimum of four ratifications to come into force.
On April 25 Polish rolling stock manufacturer Pesa announced that it had agreed key conditions for development fund PFR to acquire a majority stake in the business. The Rzeczpospolita newspaper said PFR would acquire a 70% stake with the current owners retaining the remainder.
German internet of things and artificial intelligence start-up KONUX has completed a US$20m series B financing round led by New Enterprise Associates, lead investors of the last capital increase in spring 2017, with participation from the MIG funds and all other existing financial investors. KONUX combines smart sensors and AI-based analytics to enable higher train punctuality and network capacity through predictive maintenance planning and optimised utilisation.
Nippon Signal Co has acquired a 34% stake in signalling supplier GG Tronics India, and will develop, design and manufacturer equipment for the Indian market in collaboration with GGT.
Association of American Railroads subsidiary Railinc has joined the Blockchain in Transport Alliance. ‘Blockchain presents interesting opportunities for the freight rail industry‘, said Railinc President & CEO Allen West. ‘We’re excited to identify ways to add value to our industry as part of this innovative, forward-thinking group working to advance blockchain technology and its transportation and logistics applications.‘
