Rail supplier news from Bombardier, Saft, Alstom, Thales and ACS Solutions (Nov. 23)

The Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec (CDPQ) is slated to buy a 30 percent common equity stake in Bombardier Transportation's newly-formed holding company, known as Bombardier Transportation UK Ltd. (BT Holdco), for $1.5 billion. The transaction will be executed through a private placement and values Bombardier Transportation at $5 billion, officials said in a joint press release. BT Holdco will keep its operational headquarters in Germany, but will be governed independently by a new board to be composed of seven members, including three named by CDPQ. Alain Bellemare will serve as chair. When completed, the transaction is expected to "crystallize the value of Bombardier Transportation" and strengthen the company's financial position with no increase in debt, officials said.

Saft has signed a $4.25 million onboard battery system replacement contract with SNCF, France's state-owned railway operator. Saft will enable SNCF to migrate its entire fleet of more than 200TER 2N NG trainsets to nickel-based batteries, which will help improve performance and reliability over their service life. Saft's specialized MRX batteries have been developed specifically for the intensive usage typical of rail backup operations. Additionally, the batteries offer a higher energy capability at extreme temperatures to ensure continuity of train services in areas of France that experience severe winters.

Alstom has delivered its latest batch of X'Trapolis passenger trains to Public Transport Victoria ahead of schedule. The eight units, which were tested at Alstom's regional manufacturing center in Ballarat, Australia, will be used for the agency's suburban network in Melbourne. They'll expand the X'Trapolis operating fleet to 82 trains.

Thales has been selected to provide its central control system and communication system for Sydney Metro, which is the first fully automated passenger-rail system in Australia when it opens in the first half of 2019. The company will deliver both systems to the Northwest Rapid Transit (NRT) consortium as a key supplier to NRT's systems joint venture.

ACS Solutions has received a multimillion dollar order for positive train control (PTC) kits from a Class I railroad. The kits include cabling specifically designed and manufactured for PTC initiatives, company officials said in a press release. ACS Solutions provides cables and connector assemblies, antennae, and filters for nearly every piece of the system, including Internet protocol (IP) networks, back office supper systems, train management computers and onboard radios and equipment. Company officials did not disclose the name of the railroad. Meanwhile, Dave Fox has purchased ACS Solutions, making the business a veteran-owned company.