As of May 1 Compin Group purchased AVE Rail Products. Based at Bombardier's Derby plant in the UK, the manufacturer of train interior fittings including luggage racks, lighting, driver's desks and GRP components becomes Compin UK Ltd.

Canadian construction firm PNR RailWorks has bought Montréal-based contractor Entretien de Voies Férrées Coyle, renaming the company PNR Coyle.

RZD called for expressions of interest in the privatisation of 22 wagon repair and maintenance depots on May 5. It expects to raise at least 2·6bn roubles from the sale, which is intended to introduce competition to the freight rolling stock maintenance sector.

Knorr-Bremse has reached a long-term framework with agreement Alstom under which it will tender to supply brakes for the rolling stock builder's major projects worldwide.