The Cohesive Companies Expand in Transportation Infrastructure Globally with Acquisition of OXplus and through Executive Succession

Rhea-AI Summary

Bentley Systems has acquired OXplus, a leading rail asset management company based in the Netherlands, enhancing its Enterprise Asset Management capabilities. This strategic move coincides with the appointment of Dr. Mark Bew as CEO of The Cohesive Companies. OXplus supports global rail operators with digital solutions that improve asset performance and reduce operational costs. The acquisition aims to expand The Cohesive Companies' presence in Europe and optimize infrastructure outcomes, leveraging OXplus’ expertise in high-profile projects like the Riyadh Metro.

Positive

• Acquisition of OXplus enhances Enterprise Asset Management capabilities.
• Expected expansion in European markets and increased presence.
• Strengthens digital consultancy in rail and transportation sectors.

Negative

• None.

Dr. Mark Bew MBE Appointed CEO

EXTON, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Cohesive Companies, a wholly-owned but independently operated digital integrator business unit of Bentley Systems, Incorporated (Nasdaq:BSY), the infrastructure engineering software company, today announced its acquisition of OXplus, the leading rail asset management specialist headquartered in Veghel, Netherlands. The acquisition coincides with the appointment of Dr. Mark Bew MBE as CEO of The Cohesive Companies, succeeding Noah Eckhouse, who has retired after 17 years of exemplary service within Bentley Systems capped by the successful convergence, from multiple predecessor organizations, of The Cohesive Companies in 2020. OXplus becomes the sixth brand to enter The Cohesive Companies fold in support of its mission to deliver the strongest social, economic, and environmental outcomes for infrastructure clients and their constituents.

OXplus completed two large IBM Maximo implementation projects in 2020-2021 in Riyadh (KSA), supporting two operators and maintainers for all six metro lines, covering 176 kilometers of track/infrastructure, 85 stations, and a total of 470 driverless cars. It is considered the world’s largest urban rail project outside China. (Photo: Business Wire)

OXplus supports rail owners, operators, and maintainers, and rolling stock manufacturers around the globe with digital tools and solutions that give them a deep insight into the performance of their assets. It builds smart systems, and delivers standout client experiences, that use IoT data to effectively predict when repair or intervention is needed, that prevent downtime, that reduce operational costs, and that enable efficient scheduling of assets. The acquisition of OXplus, founded in 2010, will accelerate The Cohesive Companies’ expansion of its Enterprise Asset Management presence within Europe and elsewhere. For instance, OXplus has recently supported the prestigious Riyadh Metro project, the largest single-phase metro project underway globally, and is also supporting Siemens Mobility to efficiently execute the maintenance of Riyadh Metro’s new train fleet.

Bew joined Bentley Systems and The Cohesive Companies with its 2020 acquisition of the UK-based built-environment consultancy PCSG, providing digital advisory services and solutions to world-leading owners and operators in the transportation sector. Representative clients and projects include HS2, Europe’s largest infrastructure project, in developing a digital twin of the entire rail system; Highways England (National Highways), operator of the UK strategic road network; and Heathrow Airport Ltd. Prior to his co-leadership of PCSG, Bew held information and business system leadership roles with Costain and URS-Scott Wilson. Based in London, Bew also chaired the UK government’s BIM Task Group, which led the work to embed digital techniques and processes within major UK public sector infrastructure programs.

In a further appointment, George Church has been named COO of The Cohesive Companies. Based in Boston, USA, Church brings a depth of knowledge and expertise gained through 27 years at Bentley Systems, including as senior vice president of its professional services business.

Mark Bew said, “We are delighted to welcome the OXplus team to enhance The Cohesive Companies’ balance across geographies and sectors. Our collective success and learning curves in delivering projects while working fully virtually throughout the pandemic has proven our growth strategy in globally bringing together and further attracting world-class talent resources. I take the helm from Noah Eckhouse enthusiastic about our unique strengths as a full lifecycle digital integrator, delivering transformational outcomes across the built and natural environment, independent of our clients’ investment choices among technology vendors. It is particularly meaningful to me that OXplus’ proficiencies in rail and transport operations and service optimization now helps us be able to fulfill the vision, expressed through the UK public sector’s digital twin aspirations, for improved social benefits from infrastructure.”

OXplus CEO Henri Snijders said, “We are excited that OXplus is joining The Cohesive Companies to strengthen our position as a leading digital consultancy in the railways and transportation sectors. I would like to thank all the team at OXplus for their work and dedication in making this milestone possible.”

Richard Van Dongen, OXplus CCO, added, “Advancements in going digital are driving improvements on major railways projects leading toward the breakthrough advantages of infrastructure and of rolling stock digital twins. We know that together, we can deliver even more operational value for the transportation sector.”

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About The Cohesive Companies

The Cohesive Companies form a wholly owned but independently operated business unit of Bentley Systems (Nasdaq:BSY, the infrastructure engineering software company www.bentley.com). The Cohesive Companies provide advisory, systems integration, and technology strategies and services to help owner-operators advance their BIM, enterprise asset management (EAM), asset lifecycle information (ALIM), and asset performance modeling environments. Our uniquely comprehensive expertise in infrastructure digital twins spans from development platforms to operational systems, from cloud to mobile, from asset delivery to customer service optimization, and beyond resourceful technology implementation to change management and business process redesign. The Cohesive Companies have coalesced and globally multiplied the reach and capabilities of Cohesive Solutions, Cohesive Asset Performance, SRO Solutions, PCSG, Ontracks Consulting, and OXplus. www.cohesivecompanies.com

^{© 2021 Bentley Systems, Incorporated. Bentley, Cohesive Solutions, Cohesive Asset Performance, Ontracks, OXplus, PCSG, SRO Solutions, and The Cohesive Companies are either registered or unregistered trademarks or service marks of Bentley Systems, Incorporated or one of its direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiaries. All other brands and product names are trademarks of their respective owners.}

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211005005250/en/

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Source: The Cohesive Companies

FAQ

What was the purpose of Bentley Systems' acquisition of OXplus?

The acquisition aims to enhance Enterprise Asset Management capabilities and expand The Cohesive Companies' presence in Europe.

Who is the new CEO of The Cohesive Companies after the acquisition of OXplus?

Dr. Mark Bew has been appointed as the new CEO of The Cohesive Companies.

What impact does the acquisition of OXplus have on Bentley Systems' market position?

It strengthens Bentley Systems' position in the rail asset management and digital consultancy markets.

When was the acquisition of OXplus announced?

The acquisition was announced on October 5, 2021.

What kind of projects has OXplus recently supported?

OXplus has supported major projects like the Riyadh Metro, enhancing asset management solutions.