Arriva Group has announced a significant deal to acquire RTS Infrastructure, marking its official entry into the UK rail infrastructure construction market. The acquisition also substantially expands Arriva’s capacity for train maintenance, notably with the addition of a key depot near Leeds.
The move is designed to broaden Arriva’s service offering to existing and new clients and further diversify the Group’s UK Trains business division, supporting long-term growth through a broader revenue mix. Arriva will take over RTS Infrastructure’s existing maintenance and design and build contracts, enhancing its order book and positioning the Group for further expansion.
New Services and Expanded Depot Network
Leeds-based RTS Infrastructure specialises in rail depot servicing and infrastructure works, including platform upgrades and track alterations, across the UK. Crucially, the company holds a Network Rail Principal Contractor Licence, which unlocks a completely new service offering for Arriva.
As part of the deal, Arriva will gain the lease of a modern rail maintenance facility located near Leeds Station. This facility will become a central part of Arriva’s national network of depots, significantly expanding its overnight rail vehicle servicing capacity and reinforcing the Group’s ability to deliver high-quality, reliable services for rail operators across the UK.
Amanda Furlong, Managing Director of Arriva UK Trains and member of the Arriva Executive Committee, said: “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.”
Strategic Fit and Continuity
RTS Infrastructure currently provides supporting services to a range of major clients in the rail sector, including Network Rail, Train Operating Companies (TOCs), and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). The acquisition is part of Arriva’s broader European growth strategy, which includes recent investments in fleet, infrastructure, and digital innovation.
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. Our staff will also benefit from being part of the Group, with all the opportunities that will bring for future careers.”
Arriva has committed to delivering stability and continuity throughout the acquisition and integration process, confirming that all RTS Infrastructure’s employee roles and customer agreements will be unaffected by the transaction.
