Hitachi Rail to acquire Clever Devices
Hitachi Rail has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Clever Devices. The firm says the proposed acquisition marks a significant step in its strategy to operate as a leading global digital mobility player. Upon completion, the business will extend its footprint from rail to multimodal mobility and strengthen its presence in North America.
“This is a proud and meaningful moment for everyone at Clever Devices,” said Clever Devices CEO Frank Ingrassia. “We have always been guided by a simple philosophy: when our customers succeed, our communities thrive. Becoming part of Hitachi Rail gives us the opportunity to carry that philosophy forward on a truly global scale.”
According to Hitachi Rail, Clever Devices’ solutions are deployed across public mobility, including buses and railway systems. Clever Devices’ portfolio of onboard and centralized data solutions will complement Hitachi Rail’s HMAX Mobility suite, Hitachi Rail’s digital asset management platform that optimizes the performance of railways around the world that connects data from fleets of trains, wayside signaling assets and track infrastructure to create an operational twin of railways.
Hitachi Rail notes that the acquisition of Clever Devices will enhance solutions that support the digital transformation of public transport beyond railways, optimize energy management and contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
In the Smart Mobility space, Hitachi Rail says combining Clever Devices’ fleet management technology with its Operation Control Centers will enable real-time multimodal solutions for urban public transportation systems. The company further notes that the technology will enable connected and sustainable intermodal transportation and support the transition to more sustainable and efficient transit systems.
“This investment is an important milestone in our strategy to accelerate the digital transformation of public mobility,” said Hitachi Rail Group CEO Giuseppe Marino. “Clever Devices’ proven expertise in intelligent transportation systems, combined with our global scale and our HMAX Mobility platform, will allow us to offer our customers a suite of data‑driven mobility solutions that optimize transport infrastructure and services. Together, we will expand our capabilities beyond rail and deepen our presence in North America, supporting cities as they transition to more innovative and efficient transport networks.”
The transaction is subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions and is expected to close later in the year, following the receipt of regulatory approvals. Hitachi Rail is being advised by J.P. Morgan and Ropes & Gray LLP in the transaction.