Poland: Representatives of both Poznań-based companies have discussed the prospects of such a deal with Rynek Kolejowy. A possible sale of tram manufacturer Modertrans has been on the cards since last year.
“From where I stand, a merger with any partner that has a future would be good for FPS, and a tie-up with Modertrans clearly fits that bill,” FPS chief executive Jerzy Woliński told the publication. “I don’t want to overstate it, though — this is by no means a done deal. I have spoken with Jacek Jaśkowiak [Mayor of Poznań – Ed.] about it, and both sides are interested in the concept.”
Jaśkowiak, for his part, told Rynek Kolejowy that the city authorities are waiting for further decisions from the Ministry of State Assets, which oversees the Industrial Development Agency (ARP), the owner of FPS. “We don’t expect this [merger – Ed.] to be done here and now,” he said. “I won’t hide the fact that alternative options are still in play. […] Settling on a final answer therefore requires thorough analysis.”
Modertrans is currently 15%-owned by the City of Poznań and 85% by municipal operator MPK Poznań. Switzerland’s Stadler, South Korea’s Hyundai Rotem and Spain’s CAF have all expressed interest in acquiring the company. Poznań’s rationale for selling is to expand production by giving the business wider access to international orders through a larger market player. Since it was set up in 2005, Modertrans has delivered more than 520 trams across its Moderus Alfa, Beta and Gamma platforms. The company also modernises trams and trains. Revenue for 2024 came in at PLN 300 mln (€71.8 mln).
FPS, meanwhile, was set up in 1997 on the basis of the H Cegielski works, which dates back more than 175 years. The company specialises in the manufacture and modernisation of coaches. A few years ago it built its first multiple unit, and it is now looking at bringing diesel locomotive production back.
