Mesta AS strengthens its position as an infrastructure company through the acquisition of Rail Infrastructure AS
The acquisition of the specialized rail contractor company Rail Infrastructure AS (RIAS) complements Mesta within the railroad segment.
Mesta and RIAS serve each other well, with both companies operating within critical infrastructure. RIAS is a nationwide railroad contractor providing installation and maintenance services within the technical railroad industry. RIAS has 77 employees and a 2020 revenue of NOK 235.4 million. Through the acquisition, RIAS becomes fully owned by Mesta.
- We are excited for RIAS to become part of Mesta. With RIAS on our team our rail competence will be strengthened, and Mesta will now offer a wider portfolio. The acquisition makes Mesta a more complete partner for collaboration with railroad customers, states CEO Marianne Bergmann Røren.
CEO of RIAS, Bjørn Aage Innstrand, will become part of Mesta’s group management. He will continue to lead RIAS which will serve as the fourth business area; rail, in addition to Mesta’s existing business units of operation and maintenance of roads, construction and special production and electrical. The combined revenue for the companies within the tracks and railroad segment will amount to approximately NOK 500 million this year. The companies already collaborate on pre-qualifying for the upcoming operation and maintenance contract of Sørlandsbanen.
- Mesta as an owner will serve RIAS with great opportunities for further growth. We will continue strengthening our efforts within all rail segments, and together develop new products and services within tracks, operations and maintenance, states RIAS CEO Bjørn Aage Innstrand.
Great match and strong business
The two companies hold several common characteristics. Innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction are all highly valued. Going forward, the companies aspire to perform well business-wise, as well as being a driving force of digital- and sustainable development.
- Continuous development and maintenance of the railroad is important. This is also relevant considering a more sustainable development for the transport industry. Mesta’s mission is as always to bring people to their destination – now also by train, concludes a highly satisfied Mesta CEO.
About Mesta
Mesta builds, maintains, and develops Norwegian infrastructure serving public and private customers. Mesta has 1600 employees in total who continuously work to assure safe and open infrastructure across the country. The company has a revenue exceeding NOK 4.5 billion annually with state ownership through the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
Oaklins advised the shareholders of RIAS.