Angel Trains Invests in New Rolling Stock for Green Energy Transition
Deal News | Apr 04, 2025 | Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP (BCLP) has advised Angel Trains Limited on a significant rolling stock investment project featuring the procurement of nine 5-car Hitachi Class AT300 trainsets. These tri-mode trains, set to be leased to Grand Central of the Arriva group, will be assembled in Hitachi's Newton Aycliffe facility in the UK. The project will support regional manufacturing and advance the UK rail sector's transition to green energy, contributing to economic growth in the North East of England. This development follows on the heels of a successful battery trial by Angel Trains and Hitachi Rail, marking a critical step forward in the de-carbonization of the rail industry. The advisory team from BCLP was led by Partner Russell Clifford, with support from Partner Jamie Wiseman-Clarke, Senior Associate Deborah Boddy, and Trainee Rachel...
Sectors
- Rail Transport
- Green Energy
- Manufacturing
Geography
- United Kingdom – The rolling stock investment project takes place in the UK, with trainsets assembled at Hitachi's facility in Newton Aycliffe, impacting the UK rail industry and local economy.
- North East England – The project supports economic growth and skill retention in this region, where the assembly facility is located.
Industry
- Rail Transport – The article is focused on the procurement and investment in new trainsets, directly relating to the rail transport industry.
- Green Energy – The investment involves tri-mode trains with advanced battery traction, contributing to the green energy transition in the rail sector.
- Manufacturing – The trainsets will be assembled in the UK, supporting local manufacturing and job retention.
Financials
- Multi-million pound – The investment size is described as multi-million pound, though no specific figures are provided.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP | Legal Advisor | Company | BCLP is the international law firm advising Angel Trains on this investment deal. |
| Angel Trains Limited | Target Company | Company | One of the largest owners and asset managers of rolling stock in the UK, involved in procuring new trainsets. |
| Hitachi Rail | Supplier | Company | Supplier of the new trainsets, assembling them at their Newton Aycliffe facility. |
| Grand Central | Bidding Company | Company | Open access operator part of the Arriva group that will lease the new trainsets. |
| Arriva Group | Parent Company of Bidding Company | Company | The parent company of Grand Central. |