Unipart Group’s rail division has added to its range of services by acquiring Stockport-based Park Signalling for an undisclosed sum.

The deal sees Park Signalling, which has 20 staff, become part of Unipart Rail but it will continue to trade under its existing name.

Unipart Rail supplies products and services to the UK and international rail industry, including infrastructure maintenance, technical support, equipment repairs, research and development, technology and manufacturing.

It has operations in Crewe, Southport, Doncaster and York.

Park Signalling, which is based at Houldsworth Mill, Reddish, was created in 2000 following a buyout from Alstom.

The consultancy has gained international acclaim for its wide range of design and build expertise for signalling, telecoms, control and monitoring equipment on rail networks worldwide. Park Signalling works on projects as far afield as Indonesia and Australia.

Following the company’s sale, founder and managing director John Slinn becomes technical director and Anthony Isaacs becomes general manager with responsibility for the day-to-day running of the business. The other directors remain in their roles.

Ian Dawson and Liz Gallagher, of HURST’s corporate finance and tax teams respectively, and Llyr Williams, of north Wales and Chester law firm Swayne Johnson Solicitors, advised Park Signalling on the deal.

Ian said Park Signalling’s highly-technical and skilled workforce enjoys a strong global reputation.

He added: "Becoming part of the Unipart Group provides the team with a great opportunity to develop the business. Exciting growth prospects lie ahead.”

Graham Jackson, managing director of Unipart Rail, added: "This acquisition perfectly complements the Unipart Rail product and service portfolio and the synergies, along with our combined skills and expertise, will enable both businesses to access new markets and to continue to develop and expand our offering.”