EQT Infrastructure II (“EQT Infrastructure” or “EQT”), through an indirectly owned company within the Hector Rail group (“Hector Rail Group” or “Hector Rail”), has completed its acquisition of GB Railfreight Limited (“GB Railfreight” or the “Company”) from Groupe Eurotunnel SE (“Groupe Eurotunnel”).
Founded in 1999 by the current CEO John Smith, GB Railfreight is the third largest rail freight operator in the UK, and provides a wide range of rail transport solutions and rail services to its customers. The Company’s team of 650 people operates over 1,000 trainloads a week, moving 15% of UK’s rail freight. GB Railfreight has a fleet of over 130 locomotives and 1,100 wagons, transporting goods for customers including Drax, Network Rail, EDF Energy, MSC UK, Aggregate Industries and Tarmac.
John Smith, CEO and founder of GB Railfreight, says:
“EQT’s business model is very much aligned with GB Railfreight’s, and I look forward to working closely with our new owners to support our continued growth ambitions.”
Bo Lerenius, Industrial Advisor to EQT and Chairman of the Hector Rail Group, says:
“As one of the UK’s leading rail freight operators, GB Railfreight has proven its strength in the rail industry. The focus on innovation and delivery of outstanding customer service are two key factors that make us believe that GB Railfreight is an excellent fit with Hector Rail.”
