Hitachi seeks EU assistance regarding acquisition of Thales railway signaling business

Hitachi Ltd has submitted proposed remedies to the European Union (EU) to secure antitrust approval for its acquisition of Thales’ GTS rail signaling business. The details of the relief package were filed with EU regulators on Thursday, coinciding with Hitachi’s request for approval for the deal. The EU’s competition enforcement agency has set a deadline of November 6 for a decision but has not released any information about the remedies proposed. It is likely that the agency will seek input from Hitachi’s customers and competitors before making a final decision on whether to accept the remedies or request further action.

This partnership between Hitachi and Thales highlights the trend of consolidation in the rail industry, with smaller independent companies joining forces with larger organizations. However, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in Britain has expressed concerns that a deal between two major suppliers of rail signaling could result in higher costs for upgrading the country’s rail network. The CMA’s warning underscores the need for careful consideration of the potential impact on the industry.

Fu Yunqi, a seasoned journalist with Reuters, has played a significant role in reporting on high-profile mergers and acquisitions. Her expertise in European antitrust law has informed her coverage of major companies such as Microsoft, Google, and Amazon, as well as investigations into antitrust practices. Prior to her work in the business sector, Fu has covered Greek politics and businesses, shedding light on their international standing as a member of the eurozone, and has also explored the unique aspects of Dutch society and culture. Her reporting has consistently influenced market movements and helped investors make informed decisions about company strategies.