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Alstom to buy Nomad
(21 Dec 2016, BWCS Staff)One of the pioneers of on-train WiFi services, Nomad Digital, is to be bought by French transport group Alstom. A press statement from the Newcastle-based supplier said the deal could go through within weeks.
Alstom, based in Saint-Ouen in France confirmed it has signed a purchase agreement to acquire Nomad Holdings, which trades as Nomad Digital. However, the cost of the take-over has not been revealed. The UK supplier, which is currently owned by Amadeus Capital Partners, SEB Venture Capital and Deutsche Telekom Strategic Investments among others, employs some 230 people and earlier this year revealed it had increased its turnover by 47% to £42 million. The rise in revenues came on the back of deals to upgrade the WiFi systems on the entire Virgin Trains fleet and to introduce BEAM, the video-on-demand service offered with GoMedia.
Alstom has already worked closely with Nomad over the installation of WiFi on its Coradia Continental trains in Germany and the New Pendolino trains for SBB in Switzerland. The French giant said it will allow Nomad Digital to benefit from its global footprint while “Keeping their current pace of growth and digital culture”.
Nomad is expected to retain its brand name and independent identity and will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary.
Andrew Taylor, group CEO of Nomad, said: “From day one we will have a joined-up strategy and vision around the realisation of the ‘Digital Train. We look forward in the weeks and months ahead to strengthening our capabilities in this domain, and ensuring that we maintain our focus on delivering innovative solutions and services to both our current and new customers around the world.”
The expanding market for on-board WiFi services as well as the problems of intermittent mobile coverage, proposed trackside solutions and other issues will all be covered in this year’s WiFi on Trains Conference hosted by BWCS. For more information on next year’s event please see www.Traincomms2017.com or contact Ross.Parsons@BWCS.com .
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