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3i, Regional Rail to Acquire Massachusetts Central Railroad

Kennett Square, Pennsylvania-based Regional Rail and investor 3i have filed for regulatory approval to acquire Massachusetts Central Railroad Corporation, a Class III carrier operating approximately 25 miles of track between Palmer, Massachusetts. The John J. Family Trust currently controls MCER. Regional Rail will purchase all outstanding shares under a stock purchase agreement. Upon completion, Regional Rail would gain direct control while 3i RR obtains indirect control. The Surface Transportation Board exemption permits the transaction to close as early as July 1, 2026. The acquisition expands the 3i and Regional Rail partnership to 18 railroads across North America since their 2019 partnership began with three northeastern properties. The MCER lines do not connect with existing 3i or Regional Rail properties, and no Class I carriers are involved in the transaction.