U.S. firm buys Rotterdam short line railroad

U.S. firm buys Rotterdam short line railroad Genesee & Wyoming Inc., a Greenwich, Conn.-based company that operates short line and regional freight railroads in the United States, Canada, Australia and Bolivia, has expanded into Europe by purchasing Rotterdam Rail Feeding (RRF) for $21.4 million cash.
   The deal has contingent consideration of up to $2.4 million payable over the next three years.
   Headquartered in the Port of Rotterdam, RRF is an independent provider of short-haul rail and switching services. Its principal business is “last mile” rail services within the Port of Rotterdam for long-haul railroads and industrial customers. It also provides locomotives, railroad operating personnel and rail-related services throughout the Netherlands to track construction and maintenance companies as well as government-owned infrastructure operators.
   RRF’s operations include 12 locomotives and 35 employees. The business will continue to be led by its founder, Karel Poiesz, who will serve as managing director supported by his present management team.
   John C. Hellmann, chief executive officer of Genesee & Wyoming said RRF is seeking to expand in Europe.