Porterbrook has completed a significant transaction to acquire 404 passenger vehicles from Corelink Rail Infrastructure Limited, underlining its continued long-term commitment to the West Midlands rail network.
The deal covers 324 Class 730 Aventra electric multiple units and 80 Class 196 diesel units, all operated by West Midlands Trains (WMT). The fleet plays a critical operational role, accounting for around 60 per cent of WMT’s network services, including both regional commuter and longer‑distance routes linking London, Birmingham and Liverpool.
The acquisition further consolidates an established supplier‑operator relationship that has been in place for more than a decade and reflects ongoing confidence in the performance of the modern fleet introduced under the West Midlands franchise.
Mary Grant, Porterbrook CEO, said: “West Midlands Trains has been one of our largest customers for over 15 years and this latest transaction solidifies that partnership for the future.”
“It also completes a programme of more than £1bn of capital deployed during the last five years in new trains, fleet upgrades, traction innovation and rail infrastructure.”
The five‑car Class 730 Aventra units are stabled and maintained at Bletchley Train Maintenance Depot, a key strategic facility on the West Midlands network. The depot underwent a major modernisation programme last year, funded by a £66m investment from Porterbrook, which introduced new and extended sidings, enhanced inspection facilities, overhead electrification infrastructure and modern gantries designed to support high‑volume, high‑reliability operations.
Corelink Rail Infrastructure Limited was established as a joint venture between Infracapital and Pan‑European Infrastructure II, the latter being a fund managed and advised by DWS Group & GmbH Co KGaA. The company was created to own and finance a new generation of rolling stock intended to improve reliability, capacity and energy efficiency across the West Midlands.
Tom Crawley, Managing Director at Infracapital, said: “We are proud to have established Corelink with DWS, delivering a modern and energy-efficient fleet that provides a reliable commuter experience across the West Midlands rail network. We believe Porterbrook is well-positioned to continue supporting Corelink’s mission to deliver dependable and sustainable rail transport in the UK.”
Hamish Mackenzie, Partner and Global Head of Infrastructure at DWS, said: “Corelink is a core infrastructure asset that provides an essential rail transportation service to key routes in the United Kingdom. The successful sale of Corelink by Pan-European Infrastructure II showcases DWS’s experience across the transportation sector and its active asset management expertise.”
Advisers on the transaction included CA‑CIB on financial matters, Freeths on legal aspects and Deloitte on tax advice for Porterbrook. DC Advisory provided financial advice to Infracapital and DWS, with legal support from Eversheds Sutherland.
Image credit: Porterbrook
