EUROPE: Train leasing firm Angel Trains International was renamed Alpha Trains with effect from January 1, reflecting the separation of the UK and Continental businesses of the former Angel Trains Group.

Angel Trains was one of three rolling stock leasing companies formed in 1994 as part of the privatisation of British Rail. It subsequently expanded into continental Europe, building up a €1·8bn fleet of freight locomotives and regional passenger trains across 12 countries. Royal Bank of Scotland Group sold Angel Trains to a consortium of infrastructure investors in August 2008, since when the UK and International businesses have been independently owned and managed.

'Alpha Trains will continue to operate at the heart of the European rail industry, building on the heritage of Angel Trains International and continuing to provide innovative leadership in the rail leasing sector', said CEO Haydn Abbott. 'I am confident that Alpha Trains is the right platform to retain our market leadership, both in scale and professionalism.'