| Stagecoach said it is in exclusive talks with potential buyers of ailing rival National Express, which runs the National Express Dundee — formerly Travel Dundee — bus service in the city, over the possibility of acquiring “certain assets and businesses”.
It is understood the Perth company has not ruled out making its own bid for National Express, having confirmed it will consider “all other options” for the company.
Although neither Stagecoach nor the Spanish-led consortium interested in taking over National Express has spoken in detail about any possible deals, it is likely Stagecoach would be keen to acquire the Dundee routes.
That is a scenario that prompted Councillor Guild to say the council will be keeping a “very close eye on developments”.
Although, at the moment, Stagecoach Strathtay mainly runs bus routes into Dundee whilst Travel Dundee operates within the city, there are certain routes in Broughty Ferry and the West End where the two companies are both active.
A Stagecoach takeover of Travel Dundee would see the company gaining control of all bus services in the city.
The SNP leader told the Tele, “I would certainly hope we would have a meeting with Stagecoach to find out exactly what the proposals are and what impact they might have on services locally.
“Bus-users in the Ferry and West End have a choice of buses on some routes and I’d hope developments would not lead to cuts in those services.
“This would be a concern to me and I think we would want to avoid a monopoly situation.
“We’d certainly be looking for reassurances from the company.
“I know Stagecoach is quite adept at getting monopolies in various areas and we will be asking our officers to keep a very close eye on developments.”
A spokesman for Stagecoach said they were not in a position to confirm any details.
The consortium seeking to take over National Express is made up of the Spanish Cosmen family and private equity firm CVC.
Stagecoach issued a statement today which said, “Stagecoach confirms it is in exclusive discussions with the consortium regarding the possible acquisition by Stagecoach of certain businesses and assets of National Express in the event that the consortium acquires National Express.
“In addition to its discussions with the consortium, Stagecoach will continue to consider all other options in relation to National Express.”
Mr Guild said that, since bus deregulation, local authorities had limited influence over bus services.
He added, “The usual sanction is one of subsidies which is a carrot-and-stick situation.
“That’s something we’d obviously have to discuss with the company.” |
