Complex sentence: In August 2017, the Abellio/JR East/Mitsui consortium, known as West Midlands Trains, was awarded the franchise, taking over from London Midland on 10 December 2017.
Split into simpler sentences: In August 2017, the Abellio/JR East/Mitsui consortium trading as West Midlands Trains was awarded the franchise. It will take over from London Midland on 10 December 2017.