Japanese engineering consultancy Nippon Koei Co., Ltd. has acquired a majority stake in Melbourne-based railway systems specialist Mikado Rail Pty Ltd (Mikado Group), strengthening its presence in Australia’s rail sector.

Nippon Koei, a subsidiary of ID&E Holdings, announced the move as part of its strategic expansion, bringing Mikado Group — an independent consultancy known for its expertise in signalling, communications, control and power systems — into its global portfolio.

Mikado Group has supported the delivery of major projects across Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia, such as the Level Crossing Removal Program, Regional Rail Revival, and the Tram Grade Separation Project.

Nippon Koei has a long-standing track record in railway consultancy through its involvement in Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects worldwide.

Over recent decades, the company has supported railway projects across Asia, Latin America, and other regions, providing professional services throughout the project lifecycle, including design, tender assistance, contract administration, construction supervision, staff training, and trial operations.

Following the acquisition, Mikado Group will continue to be led by Michael Lattouf as Managing Director. The Board of Directors will be strengthened with appointments from the Nippon Koei Group, including Takayuki Fujitomi, Satoshi Nishizawa and Aniket Mukhopadhyay.

By joining the Nippon Koei Group, Mikado Group will gain access to Nippon Koei’s global technical excellence and advanced technologies, enhancing its capacity to support Australia’s expanding rail infrastructure program with greater efficiency and innovation.

The partnership will strengthen local talent development through knowledge sharing in advanced signalling and train control systems, as well as high-capacity and next-generation rail technologies such as Communication Based Train Control (CBTC) and ETCS (European Train Control System), and high-speed rail, while enabling the delivery of expanded services to clients in areas such as power systems, environmental consulting, architecture, technical assurance, and rolling stock.

The acquisition reflects Nippon Koei’s long‑term commitment to investing in Australia’s rail industry and to building a sustainable, future‑ready railway business.

Mikado Group’s strong local expertise will be complemented by Nippon Koei Mobility’s specialised systems knowledge and Nippon Koei’s extensive global experience in railway consulting to establish a more robust and sustainable railway consultancy in Australia, delivering innovative solutions and enhanced services to clients while strengthening connectivity across the Asia‑Pacific region.

In 2022, Nippon Koei further strengthened its railway systems consulting capabilities through the acquisition of Nippon Koei Mobility in Malaysia, an independent railway systems consultancy.