Vossloh to acquire Rocla Concrete Tie

Vossloh announced yesterday it signed a contract to acquire Denver-based Rocla Concrete Tie Inc. — a move designed to strengthen the German company's competitive position in the U.S. rail infrastructure industry.

The purchase price for the debt-free company is expected to be about $117 million, according to a Vossloh press release.

The acquisition is expected to close in early 2017 and is subject to merger control clearances. Vossloh AG's board has approved the transaction.

Rocla manufactures concrete rail ties, as well as switch ties, concrete low vibration track blocks and crossing panels at its U.S. plants and a plant in Mexico.

As part of the Vossloh organization, Rocla will become a business unit known as Vossloh Tie Technology within the company's Core Components division, Vossloh officials said.

Rocla and Vossloh have been working together for many years, said Rocla President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Urquhart.

"Our products have been optimally adapted to one another. In the past, Vossloh rail fastening systems have almost always been mounted on Rocla ties in the U.S.A.," Urquhart said. "We are looking forward to contributing our know-how as part of the Vossloh Group and a leading partner of the rail industry to implement the comprehensive modernization of the U.S. railway network expected over the course of the coming years.”