The move is designed to consolidate Systra鈥檚 position in India and increase its capacity to work across Asian markets.
SAI, which is based in Ahmedabad, was founded in 1983 and provides engineering consultancy services in transportation, buildings and environment. Revenues for 2013 were 鈧�11m (拢8.8m), including 30% abroad.
鈥淭his acquisition is in line with the targets for Systra 2018, our development plan, said Pierre Verzat, chief executive office of Systra. "The purchase of SAI will allow us to be more present in India, a market where we already have a subsidiary. SAI is located in the west of the Indian subcontinent, in the state of Gujarat, which has enjoyed impressive economic growth over the past few years.鈥�
鈥淐ombined with the know-how of Systra India, this operation will give Systra the critical mass necessary to become a major player in this country whose government sees public transport as key to growth,鈥� added Bruno Schmitt, a member of Systra鈥檚 executive board and head of the group鈥檚 acquisition operations. 鈥淢oreover, India will serve as a production hub for our Asian clients.聽 SAI鈥檚 acknowledged mastery of project management and supervision will enrich Systra鈥檚 expertise in the field of railway design. Thanks to this union, our clients in India, and all over Asia, will benefit from a broader value proposition.鈥�
"This is a win-win strategy for SAI," said Hemant Modi, president and CEO of SAI. "Our engineers are impatient to contribute to the international development of the Systra Group. Their reputation as the world leader in the mass transit and rail market has grown massively in India as well as in the rest of Asia.鈥�
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