Alstom close to choosing a bidder for its transport arm By Lisa Murray January 20, 2005
Page Tools Email to a friend Printer format French company Alstom is days away from announcing the preferred bidder for its Australian and New Zealand transport business, which is expected to fetch up to $400 million.
It is understood the company is in talks with three remaining bidders and analysts are tipping industrial services companies Transfield, Downer EDI and United Group as the most likely buyers.
Alstom is selling its Australasian transport businesses following financial problems in other operations and pressure from European regulators.
The sale, which excludes its energy operations, was first flagged in May and approved by shareholders in July.
A source close to the deal said Alstom had planned to announce the final bidder by the end of this week. But according to one potential bidder, last-minute negotiations could mean a decision is delayed until early next week. The sale price is expected to be $300 million to $400 million.
A big part of Alstom's local business is the manufacture and maintenance of trams and trains in Melbourne, where it has a joint venture with rail operator Connex, employing about 2000 people across Australia and NZ.
Transfield chief executive Peter Watson has made no secret of his interest in acquiring the Alstom businesses.
Last month, Transfield paid $193 million for the local telecommunications arm of French company Areva, which used to be part of the Alstom empire.
At the time, Mr Watson said his company would still be looking at other acquisitions.
But analysts said cost synergies at United Group or Downer would be higher because of their manufacturing businesses.
United Group might also have an advantage as two former chief executives of Alstom Australia have joined the company in the past six months, bringing other staff with them.
Terry Chapman heads United's management, engineering, construction and industrial maintenance business, and his predecessor, Steve Elliot, joined the company's board in October.
Meanwhile, the industry was digesting news of a new state transport services minister yesterday, after a cabinet reshuffle resulted in John Watkins replacing Michael Costa.
Industry players said they were interested in how this would affect the tender process for supply and maintenance of Sydney trains, work that is worth $1.5 billion.
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