Nippon Koei acquires Mikado Group, taking a majority stake in Melbourne-based Mikado Rail Pty Ltd as the Japanese engineering consultancy expands its railway consultancy presence in Australia.

Railway signalling works at a level crossing
Official project image showing signalling work linked to Mikado Group’s rail project experience. Photo: Mikado Group

The company, a subsidiary of ID&E Holdings, presented the acquisition⁠ as part of its wider growth strategy. The deal brings Mikado Group into Nippon Koei’s global portfolio and adds an Australian railway systems consultancy with experience in signalling, communications, control and power systems.

Mikado Group joins Nippon Koei’s rail portfolio

Mikado Group has supported major rail programs in Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia. Its project experience includes the Level Crossing Removal Program, Regional Rail Revival, and the Tram Grade Separation Project.

Nippon Koei also has an established background in railway consulting⁠ through Official Development Assistance projects in international markets. Over recent decades, it has worked on railway projects in Asia, Latin America, and other regions, providing services across the project lifecycle. These include design, tender assistance, contract administration, construction supervision, staff training, and trial operations.

The acquisition brings together Mikado Group’s local Australian project delivery record and Nippon Koei’s international railway consultancy work.

Workers removing railway crossing signage in Victoria
Official project image from Victoria’s Level Crossing Removal Project, one of the programs cited in Mikado Group’s project experience. Photo: Victoria’s Big Build / Victorian Government

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

Railway consultancy in Australia to gain wider systems support

As part of Nippon Koei Group, Mikado Group will gain access to Nippon Koei’s global technical capabilities and advanced technologies, enhancing its ability to support Australia’s expanding rail infrastructure program with greater efficiency and innovation.

The partnership will also strengthen local talent development through knowledge sharing in advanced signalling and train control systems. This includes Communication Based Train Control (CBTC), ETCS (European Train Control System), high-capacity and next-generation rail technologies, and high-speed rail. The combined business will also be able to provide expanded services to clients in areas such as power systems, environmental consulting, architecture, technical assurance, and rolling stock.

Nippon Koei said the transaction reflects its long-term commitment to investment in Australia’s rail industry and to building a sustainable, future-ready railway business.

Nippon Koei Mobility adds specialist railway systems knowledge

Mikado Group’s local expertise will be complemented by Nippon Koei Mobility’s specialist systems knowledge and Nippon Koei’s wider global railway consulting experience. The aim is to establish a stronger and more sustainable railway consultancy in Australia, while delivering expanded services to clients and strengthening connectivity across the Asia-Pacific region.

Nippon Koei previously expanded its railway systems consulting capabilities in 2022 by acquiring Nippon Koei Mobility in Malaysia, an independent railway systems consultancy.