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Balfour Beatty completes sale of Omnicom to Hitachi Rail
01 August 2025
London-based Balfour Beatty finalised the sale of its rail measurement hardware and intelligent software business, Omnicom Engineering, to Hitachi Rail, following an agreement first announced in January.
Work underway on the UK’s HS2 rail project, for which Balfour Beatty is a lead contractor. Image: Marr Contracting/John Zammit, courtesy of HS2
Omnicom, also a UK company, develops digital systems for track monitoring and inspection, including gauge clearance tools, video-based condition monitoring, and AI-powered analysis. It employs more than 100 specialists.
Balfour Beatty acquired Omnicom in 2016.
UK-based Hitachi Rail will integrate the business into its HMAX asset management platform, which supports data-driven maintenance planning for rail infrastructure. The deal is expected to enhance Hitachi’s digital maintenance offerings in the UK and internationally.
Balfour Beatty said the divestment allows it to focus on its core rail operations, including electrification, signalling, and civil works. The company remains a delivery partner on several UK infrastructure frameworks, including contracts with Network Rail and Transport for London.
No financial terms were disclosed.
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