Vossloh has announced its firm intention to acquire UK company Cordel Group PLC in order to expand its business in digital solutions for the railway infrastructure. Cordel provides hardware and software for the capture, processing and analysis of image and LiDAR data along railway lines. Laser scanners installed on trains generate three-dimensional images of the track, which can be used to detect ballast irregularities, vegetation and overhead lines that are too low. The data is analysed using artificial intelligence (AI). Vossloh intends to combine this technology with its own laser inspection systems to develop automated systems for continuous track monitoring. To this end, both companies have already carried out a joint pilot project in continental Europe in 2025. Cordel is valued at around EUR 33.5 million (GBP 29 million) in the bid. The transaction is to be implemented via a court-approved procedure under UK law. Completion is expected in the third quarter of 2026, subject to the approval of shareholders and the relevant UK authorities.
Source: Vossloh press release 13.05.2026

Alstom has begun talks with potential buyers regarding the sale of its locomotive plant in Kassel. The workforce was informed at the end of April 2026. According to the manufacturer, the talks are confidential and the interested party has not been named. The site, which employs around 800 people, passed to Alstom in 2021 with the takeover of Bombardier Transportation and was developed from the former Henschel plant. In recent years, Alstom has invested tens of millions of euros in the plant and reorganised production. At the end of 2025, the service business was spun off, with around 100 employees remaining at the site. According to staff representatives, the plant is currently operating at high capacity and has a well-filled order book. Alstom had previously sold the Görlitz site to KNDS (SCI RAILDATA Issue 05/2025).
Source: HNA 13.05.2026

Waterland Private Equity has acquired Kassel-based door systems manufacturer Bode from its previous owner, the Schaltbau Group. As a result, Bode will have a new ownership structure but will continue to operate under its existing brand, with no changes to its headquarters, management or organisational structure. Waterland and Bode have announced investments in innovation, product development, operational excellence, human resources as well as the expansion of the global customer service and maintenance network. Waterland also cited targeted acquisitions of complementary companies as part of its growth strategy. Bode was founded in 1968, employs more than 1,400 people and supplies door systems and access solutions to vehicle manufacturers and transport operators in Europe, North America and Asia.
Source: Bode press release 12.05.2026

Leasing company VTG, in collaboration with BM Bahndienste, has provided 46 open four-axle Eanos freight wagons for the logistics operations of recycling company Cronimet. The freight wagons are designed for the transport of bulk goods and scrap metal.
Source: RAILMARKET.com 11.05.2026

Vilnius-based public transport operator VVT has ordered 112 Lion’s City E electric buses from MAN Truck & Bus. The public transport operator for the Lithuanian capital has signed two contracts for 84 12 m long single-deck buses and 28 18 m long articulated buses. The first buses will be delivered before the end of 2026. The remaining buses will be delivered by the end of 2027. The buses will replace part of VVT’s diesel bus fleet. MAN’s partner Adampolis will handle delivery in Lithuania and provide technical maintenance for five years. Depending on the model, the buses have a range of up to 380 km. Features include air conditioning, passenger information systems, Wi-Fi and charging facilities for mobile devices.
Source: MAN press release 12.05.2026