BRUSSELS, Sept 15 Reuters Hitachi has offered to sell assets in France and Germany as well as its core train control technology to gain EU antitrust approval for its 1.7 billion euro 1.8 billion buy of Thales39; GTS railway signalling business, a person with direct knowledge of the matter said on Friday.

The Japanese conglomerate put in its offer to the European Commission on Thursday, the same day it requested EU clearance for the deal, an EU regulatory filing showed on Friday.

The remedies are similar to those offered to the UK Competition and Markets Authority in June which consisted of the divestment of its UK, French and German mainline signalling business and its core communicationbased train control technology to a rival.

Hitachi said then that the package comprised all the elements needed for a viable, standalone business.

The EU competition enforcer, which set a Nov. 6 deadline for its decision, did not provide details of the remedies in line with its policy. It is expected to seek feedback from Hitachi customers and rivals before deciding whether to accept the remedies or demand more.

Hitachi39;s decision to offer remedies at the same time as it formally filed for approval suggests that the company may have indications that the package may be sufficient to help it win EU clearance.

The company had sought EU approval in October last year but withdrew its application a month later.

The deal underscores the consolidation in the rail industry, with…