Direct Track Solutions Ltd announces sale to Schwihag AG

Dinnington-based company Direct Track Solutions Ltd (DTS) has been acquired by Swiss company Schwihag AG.

Direct Track Solutions Limited was founded in 2002 by Martin and Melanie Southwell to focus on competitive supply chain solutions for the railway industry. Having significantly grown the business, Martin and Melanie were looking for a partner who could continue this success.

Schwihag, which was founded in 1971 in Tägerwilen, Switzerland, has over 50 years’ experience in the rail sector and is a longstanding supplier of unique and well-proven trackwork components and fastening systems globally.

The acquisition of DTS supplements Schwihag’s manufacturing facilities in Doncaster; Leipzig, Germany; and Grandview Missouri, USA alongside its additional regional offices in Valencia, Spain, and New Delhi, India. The acquisition, for an undisclosed sum, is seen as a strategic addition to Schwihag’s UK portfolio, increasing the range of products and services offered to the market.

Direct Track Solutions Ltd will continue to trade under the DTS Brand, with the company structure and personnel remaining unchanged.

Karl-H Schwiede, president of the board of Schwihag Group, said: “We are excited to continue doing business with DTS and appreciate our continued partnership.”

Melanie and Martin Southwell, of Direct Track Solutions Limited, added: “Having worked for 22 years building a successful business, we agreed that the time was now right to look for a buyer that could take the business to the next level.

“Schwihag AG, a global supplier of quality railway track products, ticked all the boxes. Schwihag AG is the perfect fit, enhancing the DTS brand and creating greater opportunities for all the staff. We are both delighted that the future of DTS is in good hands and we are confident that the business will go from strength to strength.”

Corporate finance advice was provided to DTS by Andy Ryder and Adam Ames of Shorts, together with legal advice from Matt Ainsworth from our corporate team. Rebecca Robinson of Wake Smith provided legal advice to Schwihag.

Melanie and Martin Southwell said: “Throughout the whole process, we had full confidence in both Andy Ryder and Adam Ames at Shorts, along with Matt Ainsworth of Shakespeare Martineau that the lengthy transaction would be completed to the highest standard while, at the same time, meeting our expectations. They worked together admirably as a team of professionals and we would recommend their services without hesitation.”

Andy Ryder, corporate finance partner at Shorts, added: “We are delighted to have helped complete this transaction for Martin and Melanie. It has been a pleasure to work with them on this international transaction, and we look forward to hearing of Direct Track’s continuing success under Schwihag’s ownership.”

Matt Ainsworth said: “We are very pleased to have supported Martin and Melanie on the sale of Direct Track to Schwihag. Direct Track is yet another high-quality local business that has attracted overseas inward investment into the region. We wish the business all the success for the future.”