History

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In March 1996, Daimler-Benz and Asea Brown Boveri announced their decision to join their individual rail activities to form a new company - the ABB Daimler-Benz Transportation (Adtranz). End of 1996 the final joint venture was approved by the authorities.

In 1996, the company acquired a large proportion of what had previously been British Rail, added this to its existing rail business and began the current programme of growth in this area. This was then helped by the sale of the company's cable manufacturing businesses, BICC, in May 2000 which provided the capital for a continuing expansion.

End of  2000, Balfour Beatty plc acquires the Fixed Installations Business of the Adtranz Group. The business is relaunched under the name of Balfour Beatty Rail GmbH.

In 2002, the Italian ABB SAE Sadelmi is acquired by the  Balfour Beatty Rail Group and hence belongs to the Balfour Beatty GmbH section of the Balfour Beatty Rail Group.

End of 2004, the business section "Elektrotechnische Ausrüstung" (electro-mechanical equipment) of the "ABB Gebäudetechnik" is acquired by the Balfour Beatty Rail group and integrated into the Balfour Beatty Rail GmbH business. This acquisition expands the compentence of Balfour Beatty Rail GmbH in the field of electro-mechanical equipment.

End of August 2005, Balfour Beatty acquires SBB, the Signalbau Bahn GmbH in Stassfurt, who is a leader in the German market for electrical signalling installations. It will become a part of Balfour Beatty Rail GmbH, Balfour Beatty´s Munich-based subsidiary which specialises in rail electrification and power systems for international rail markets. In 2006 it was renamed to Balfour Beatty Rail Signal GmbH.

On August 1st, 2008 Balfour Beatty acquires the Schreck-Mieves GbmH including all subsidiaries in Germany, Russia, Sweden and the Netherlands. This acquisition is a strategic step towards the completion of the business portfolio range for rail infrastructure services. The Schreck-Mieves Track business segment comprises of planning, construction and maintenance of track systems in mass transit, urban and mainline systems.

On January 13th, 2009 Balfour Beatty UK celebrated its centenary in London.  Further information on the company's history you will find here or on the Balfour Beatty website.