“Our name, management and personnel will stay the same, but we will benefit from the support of CIM’s export expertise and industry contacts,” said Mechan.

“CIM’s portfolio of products and services includes the design and realisation of railway infrastructure supply and construction projects.

“It operates in more than 120 countries worldwide, across all continents, working for many of the main rail transportation and public transport operators, as well as mining companies.”

Mechan said the takeover would provide it with an excellent opportunity to accelerate its international development.

Mechan managing director Richard Carr will continue to lead the Mechan team.

CIM CEO Alain Lovambac said: “Mechan is a particularly innovative and successful company whose high-quality products are complementary to our own.

“This acquisition strengthens our ambition to become a world leader in the design and supply of turnkey railway workshop solutions.”