Vossloh has set out a clear ambition to accelerate its digital rail strategy, announcing its intention to acquire UK-based Cordel, a specialist in advanced digital asset monitoring and optimisation technologies for the rail sector.
The proposed acquisition reflects Vossloh’s focus on expanding its digital services offering, particularly in the area of automated inspection and continuous monitoring of rail infrastructure. Cordel has developed a differentiated portfolio of hardware and software solutions that enable the capture, processing and analysis of survey‑grade digital imagery and point cloud data within rail corridors.
At the heart of Cordel’s technology is LiDAR-based imaging, designed to automate railway inspections. Laser measurement devices mounted on in-service trains generate high‑resolution, three‑dimensional images of the surrounding rail environment. These images support early identification of infrastructure risks such as ballast degradation, encroaching vegetation and low‑hanging overhead line equipment. The resulting datasets are then analysed using artificial intelligence to prioritise maintenance interventions and improve asset performance.
Cordel’s technology is already deployed by major rail operators across the UK, Middle East, North America and Australia. Customers include Amtrak in the United States and Network Rail in the UK. The business currently operates through six group companies across three countries and employs 42 people.
By combining Cordel’s digital inspection capabilities with Vossloh’s existing laser-based inspection technologies, the two companies aim to develop fully automated track inspection systems capable of continuous railway line monitoring. In 2025, Vossloh and Cordel completed a joint pilot project in continental Europe to test the technical feasibility of integrating their respective solutions. Vossloh says the results demonstrated strong potential and reinforced the strategic rationale for the transaction.
Commenting on the proposed acquisition, Oliver Schuster, CEO of Vossloh AG, said:
“The acquisition of Cordel is a highly attractive opportunity to accelerate our entry into new markets and geographies, while building on our position in innovative rail services.”
The proposed offer relates to the shares of Cordel Group PLC, which is listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange. The transaction is expected to be implemented via a court‑sanctioned scheme of arrangement under English law.
Under the terms of the offer, Cordel is valued at approximately £29 million, equivalent to around €33 million, with shareholders set to receive 12.4 pence per share. Cordel’s board has indicated its intention to unanimously recommend the offer to shareholders.
Completion of the transaction remains subject to customary conditions, including approval from Cordel’s shareholders and the relevant UK regulatory authorities. Subject to these approvals, completion is currently expected during the third quarter of 2026.
Further details on the proposed acquisition are set out in the Rule 2.7 announcement, available on Vossloh’s website.
Image credit: iStock
