Wabtec acquires Railroad Controls

Wabtec Corp. yesterday announced it acquired Railroad Controls L.P., which provides railway signal construction services.

A RCL Services Group LLC subsidiary based in Benbrook, Texas, and founded in 1994, Railroad Controls generates about $75 million in revenue annually and employs more than 500. The company provides railway signal construction services to freight and passenger railroads in North America, including the installation of grade crossing warning signals, wayside and interlocking signals, and positive train control-related equipment. Railroad Controls' management team has extensive Class I experience.

"In recent years we have expanded our presence in signal design, engineering, project management and construction through organic growth initiatives and the acquisitions of Xorail and C2CE. Railroad Controls further strengthens our turnkey capabilities in this key market segment and provides technical expertise that complements our existing electronics, signaling and train control offerings," said Raymond Betler, Wabtec's president and chief executive officer, in a press release.

Harris Williams & Co. advised Railroad Controls on the sale, which closed yesterday. The Wabtec acquisition "represents a compelling combination of two strong platforms in the rail space,” said Harris Williams Managing Director Joe Conner.