Siemens to acquire public transport software solutions company

As part of its expansion plans into industry-specific software for the mobility sector, technology company, Siemens, plans to acquire HaCon – a leading international provider of planning, scheduling and information systems for public transportation, mobility and logistics.

HaCon, which is based in Hanover, Germany, has been a successful player in the mobility business for 30 years. Its trip-planning software is used at more than 25 companies and comprises the centerpiece of travel information systems in operation at over 100 transport companies.

“Together with a strong partner like Siemens AG, we’ll be even better equipped to drive the mobility software business, particularly in the global market,” said Michael Frankenberg, CEO of HaCon.

HaCon is to be managed as a separate legal entity and will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of Siemens AG in the Mobility Division. Its plans to expand its intermodal digital offerings is in conjunction with the acquisition of HaCon, with the aim to be able to serve rail infrastructure operators and public transportation companies as a single-source supplier of innovative software solutions for train and route planning, timetable information systems, cutting-edge payment systems and intermodal mobility platforms.

Furthermore, Siemens aims to offer apps for use on passengers’ mobile devices to enhance trip planning.

“The acquisition of HaCon will enable us to enter a completely new business area that complements our current portfolio, expanding it to include timetable scheduling as well as trip planning by passengers,” added Jochen Eickholt, CEO of Siemens’ Mobility Division. “With this move, we’re rigorously implementing our digitalisation strategy and opening up new growth opportunities for our company along our customers’ value chain.”

Pending the approval of antitrust authorities, the deal is expected to be concluded in the first half of 2017.