Updated 12.50 18 Feb.
CANADIAN train builder Bombardier is to be taken over by Alstom of France.
Bombardier has a number of rail-related sites in Britain, including its Derby train factory where 2,000 people are employed. Bombardier also has several maintenance depots in this country which it operates on behalf of train operators.
In a statement issued last night, Alstom said it had ‘signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Bombardier Inc. and Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec in view of the acquisition of Bombardier Transportation. Post-transaction, Alstom will have a backlog of around €75bn and revenues around €15.5bn. The price for the acquisition of 100 per cent of Bombardier Transportation shares will be €5.8bn to €6.2bn, which will be paid via a mix of cash and new Alstom shares.’
Alstom chairman and CEO Henri Poupart-Lafarge added: ‘I’m very proud to announce the acquisition of Bombardier Transportation, which is a unique opportunity to strengthen our global position on the booming mobility market. This acquisition will improve our global reach and our ability to respond to the ever-increasing need for sustainable mobility.
‘Bombardier Transportation will bring to Alstom complementary geographical presence and industrial footprint in growing markets, as well as additional technological platforms. It will significantly increase our innovation capabilities to lead smart and green innovation.
‘We will be thrilled to welcome all the talent and energy of Bombardier Transportation employees. We are deeply committed to step up the turnaround of Bombardier Transportation activities and deliver significant value to all stakeholders, particularly our customers.’
Bombardier Transportation president Danny Di Perna said: ‘We welcome this announcement. We see great geographic and product complementarity with potential to translate into increase capacity to respond to the growing global demand for rail. With a shared commitment to the next generation of green and digital rail solutions, a combined company would benefit from economies of scale resulting into improved investment and innovation capabilities, and a streamlined investment pipeline.’
An Extraordinary General Meeting will be asked to approve the takeover by the end of October, but at least one large Alstom shareholder has already indicated that it will agree to the deal.
The transaction will also need approval from regulators, but Alstom said it expected the deal to be completed in the first six months of next year.