Sunderland-based UK transport group Arriva has acquired train maintenance company London and North Western Railway Society (LNWR) for £2.4 million, which includes the repayment of a shareholder loan and assuming some £2 million of debt.

Sunderland-based UK transport group Arriva has acquired train maintenance company London and North Western Railway Society (LNWR) for £2.4 million, which includes the repayment of a shareholder loan and assuming some £2 million of debt.

LNWR was founded in 1993 by music producer and entrepreneur Pete Waterman and operates a maintenance depot at Crewe, which has received investment worth £3 million over the past 12 months.

Arriva provides rail, bus and ferry services in 12 European countries, and operates rail maintenance facilities in Germany.

Bob Holland, managing director of Arriva’s UK Trains division spoke to Railway Gazette. “The assurance that being part of the Arriva group brings will help to attract work from rolling stock leasing companies and other large customers,” he commented.

He added: “We plan to build on LNWR’s work for Bombardier, Siemens, Freightliner and Arriva Trains Wales.”

LNWR managing director Mark Knowles will remain with the company’s team of 110 staff.