DEKRA RAIL acquired by APAVE GROUPE
Context
The acquisition of Dekra Rail by Apave's subsidiary Certifer marks a significant step in Apave's growth strategy in the rail sector. This external growth operation allows Apave to consolidate its expertise in the transportation and mobility sector, a key axis of development for the company. By integrating Dekra Rail's laboratory testing, material inspection, and certification services, Certifer enriches its portfolio of services and reinforces its position in the rail industry. The acquisition enables Apave to respond to the challenges of interoperability, digitalization, and decarbonization, supporting the development of sustainable mobility. Through this acquisition, Apave aims to become a leader in the rail sector, providing a comprehensive range of services, from conception to maintenance, and strengthening its position as a trusted third-party provider. The investment thesis relies on the strategic rationale of expanding Apave's market footprint in the rail sector, leveraging Dekra Rail's recognized expertise and strong reputation in the industry.
DEKRA RAIL, which reported an EBITDA margin of in 2025, is valued in this transaction at an EV/EBITDA multiple of , a level to compare with the average currently observed in the Business Services sector (11.4x).
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Target
Dekra Rail is a Netherlands-based company specializing in the rail sector, providing regulatory services, laboratory testing, and material inspection. With 70 employees, the company generates approximately 10 million euros in revenue. Dekra Rail's expertise lies in its ability to predict the residual life of components, optimizing maintenance strategies for rail operators, constructors, and infrastructure managers. The company has a recognized expertise in verification and validation services for major rail and metro projects in Taiwan. Dekra Rail's services include tribology, calibration, and material testing, making it a key player in the rail industry.
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REFERENCES
Revenue range: 5M - 25M EUR
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Authors: This transaction was contributed by a verified mynth contributor and cross-checked against available transaction documents and official company communications.
Press release: view release
Target: dekra rail
Acquirer: apave groupe