EWS joins DSB in bid for InterCity East Coast rail franchise

[healeymills.com]

EWS joins DSB in bid for InterCity East Coast rail franchise
Friday 09 July 2004

EWS, Britain’s largest rail operator, is pleased to announce that it has joined with Danish Railways (DSB) in bidding for the InterCity East Coast (ICEC) rail franchise.

DSB will be the key stakeholder, with EWS taking a 29.9% stake in a newly formed company established by DSB to bid for the franchise.

EWS believes that this partnership builds on the existing strengths and experience of the two companies. DSB’s strong reputation, as one of the best performing rail operators in Europe, combined with EWS’s knowledge and experience in UK rail operations will reinforce DSB’s bid and enhance the ability of both companies to deliver added-value to customers.

EWS Chief Executive, Keith Heller said: “EWS is very pleased to be forming a partnership with DSB to bid for the ICEC rail franchise. I believe EWS’s knowledge of the UK rail industry and its expertise in locomotive and rolling stock maintenance, combined with DSB’s proven experience in delivering first class customer service to rail passengers is an exciting combination.

“Exceeding customer expectations and achieving consistent on-time performance will be central to our business strategy and we look forward to working together to develop a strong bid for the ICEC rail franchise.”

Executive Vice President and CFO of DSB, Søren Eriksen said: “EWS will provide valuable input during the bid process and operational phase and thus enhance our chances of submitting a successful bid. At the same time, we will be in a better position to deliver a best value plan for the ICEC rail franchise. It was essential for DSB to find an investor who could not only provide experience and know-how from the UK market, but also one that could manage the production aspects of the InterCity East Coast business.

“EWS has extensive experience with train operations in the UK and DSB is undisputedly one of the best performing train operators in Europe. Therefore, the two companies have significant complementary competencies. EWS has an in depth understanding of all operational aspects of the business and DSB has had significant success in attracting additional customers to the rail services in Denmark and abroad.”