North American rail infrastructure group Regional Rail has acquired the Massachusetts Central Railroad (MCER), a 28-mile railroad network in Massachusetts, US.
The 3i-backed operator of short-line freight railroads has invested an undisclosed sum to acquire MCER, which provides freight-hauling, storage and transload services across various end-markets, including waste, chemicals, plastics and lumber.
The acquisition also includes Wildwood Reload, a provider of warehousing and transloading services to industrial customers in the region.
The acquisition further expands Regional Rail’s North American network, which now includes 18 railroads across 10 US states and 2 Canadian provinces, expanding its portfolio since investment manager 31’s initial investment in 2019.
Regional Rail expanded into Canada in 2022 by acquiring a portfolio of freight rail assets from G3 Canada for an undisclosed sum, a transaction that included the Great Sandhills Railway alongside stakes in three other western Canadian freight rail operations.
Al Sauer, president and CEO, Regional Rail, said: “We are excited to welcome the Massachusetts Central team to Regional Rail. We look forward to building on their track record of high-quality service and working together to support customers and expand service opportunities.”
Rob Collins, managing partner and head of North American infrastructure, 3i, said: “Massachusetts Central is an excellent addition to Regional Rail and reflects our broader strategy of partnering with established local operators, preserving the legacy built by entrepreneurs and prior owners, and supporting the next phase of growth.”
David Roy, general manager of Massachusetts Central and Wildwood Reload, said: “Regional Rail is the right long-term partner for Massachusetts Central and Wildwood Reload.
“Its short-line railroad experience and commitment to local service will help strengthen relationships with customers, employees, and communities while creating new opportunities for the business.”
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