Takeover of RMS Locotec boosts company’s shunter hire business

RMS Locotec, which owns more than 20 shunting locomotives, has been bought by Proviso Holdings Limited.

The acquisition prevents

RMS Locotec from entering administration. The business will be run by career railwaymen as well as commercial specialists, and those with expertise in the financial and restructuring sectors.

Shareholders also include members of Eastern Rail Services - a carriage hire specialist that has recently expanded by leasing sidings at Great Yarmouth ( RAIL 907).

RMS ‘08s’ are already on hire to various businesses across the UK, with 08423, 08788, 08847 at PD

Ports, Middlesbrough, 08622 and 08809 at Ketton Cement Works, 08700 and 08871 at Ilford depot, 08588 at LORAM’s Derby depot, 08648 at Inverness, and 08762 at Yarmouth. Additionally, 08308, 08523/573, 08613, 08754/756, 08874/885, 08936 are currently at its Wolsingham headquarters in Norfolk, undergoing various repairs (or in storage).

It is planned that RMS will now be able to expand its shunter hire business following the takeover.

The company was previously owned by British American Railway Services and Iowa Pacific Holdings. It had been put up for sale earlier this year as the American companies pulled out of the UK railway market.