By Railfan & Railroad Staff

SAGINAW, Mich. — An international infrastructure investment firm has purchased Michigan’s Lake State Railway (LSRC). Antin Infrastructure Partners announced last week that it had purchased the 375-mile regional railroad in eastern Michigan.

Lake State was founded in 1992 when it acquired lines previously operated by the Detroit & Mackinac Railway. The railroad operates a fleet of EMD locomotives in a flashy blue and gray paint scheme. In a press release announcing the deal, officials said that the current management would stay in control of the company. John Rickoff, president and CEO of the railroad, said he hoped Antin would help the railroad grow in the coming years. 

“We welcome Antin as a long-term strategic partner to support our continued growth plans and vision for the future of LSRC,” Rickoff said. “We look forward to working with Antin to grow our customer base and expand our rail network.”