National Express to takeover Stagecoach Group? Really. Would there be any implications for West Midlands operations?
I think the only problem would be Warks/CV + NEAT Flexibus
Quote from: the trainbasher on September 21, 2021, 09:19:11 AM
I think the only problem would be Warks/CV + NEAT Flexibus
Don't forget Megabus
Quote from: winston on September 21, 2021, 09:53:34 AM
Don't forget Megabus
They have Flix competition dont they?
Quote from: the trainbasher on September 21, 2021, 09:56:48 AM
They have Flix competition dont they?
I thought Flix competition was more targeted at NX coaches, but NX Coaches / Megabus are competitors on some routes.
@BK63 YWP - title amended
Interesting , speculate on brand names . Selling off Dundee was part of the plan to swoop longer term I'm guessing.
Quote from: RW on September 21, 2021, 09:03:54 AM
National Express to takeover Stagecoach Group? Really. Would there be any implications for West Midlands operations?
Coventry definitely.....
Really amazing news. Would NX run out the crimson and platinum liveries onto Stagecoach vehicles? There's little competition problem with local services, just the Coventry to Leamington corridor. Would they renumber the NXWM fleet in the Stagecoach series? B7RLEs in 21000s, for instance? (That would make lots of work for Tony on this forum!)
Quote from: Stevo on September 21, 2021, 05:26:33 PM
Really amazing news. Would NX run out the crimson and platinum liveries onto Stagecoach vehicles? There's little competition problem with local services, just the Coventry to Leamington corridor. Would they renumber the NXWM fleet in the Stagecoach series? B7RLEs in 21000s, for instance? (That would make lots of work for Tony on this forum!)
Coventry to Nuneaton?
I guess if NX took them over any duplicated journeys on any service might cease to operate?
Also they might introduce new liveries for other places perhaps as Dundee had green and Coventry blue?
Quote from: 2206 on September 21, 2021, 06:21:09 PM
Coventry to Nuneaton?
I guess if NX took them over any duplicated journeys on any service might cease to operate?
Also they might introduce new liveries for other places perhaps as Dundee had green and Coventry blue?
It's not like the Cov-Nuneaton corridor is struggling for capacity at the moment. It'd be more concerning with the Coventry-Warwick Uni-Leamington corridor.
Quote from: winston on September 21, 2021, 09:58:19 AM
I thought Flix competition was more targeted at NX coaches, but NX Coaches / Megabus are competitors on some routes.
@BK63 YWP - title amended
Is the name of the thread accurate? Stagecoach is around 27% of the size of Nat Ex so it is surely a takeover bid? (£0.375 million value v £1.4 billion values).
National Express confirms consideration of bid for Stagecoach
National Express has confirmed that it is considering making an offer to buy Stagecoach. If completed, the deal will deliver "significant operational efficiencies across the combined networks" and accelerate the expansion of National Express's key growth sectors, including into the corporate, shuttle and private hire coach market, it says. Combination of the two groups would also position the resulting business well in an evolving bus industry landscape.
Under the terms of possible all-share combination, Stagecoach shareholders would receive 0.36 new National Express ordinary shares for each Stagecoach ordinary share. That would result in them owning approximately 25% of the combined group.
National Express has until 19 October to either announce a firm intention to make an offer for Stagecoach or to withdraw, although that deadline can be extended. Any deal would be subject to regulatory and merger control approval.
From: https://www.route-one.net/business-deals/national-express-confirms-consideration-of-stagecoach-bid/
Maybe the coaches would branded national express and the buses stage coach ?
Quote from: monkeyjoe on September 21, 2021, 06:46:52 PM
Maybe the coaches would branded national express and the buses stage coach ?
Well, if the franchising thing goes into effect and services are called "West Midlands Bus" of "TfGM Bus" etc., then it wouldn't ultimately matter if it were Stagecoach or NX. Stagecoach (for bus) and NX (for coaches) would be the smarter option regarding rebranding if these local franchises don't happen.
EDIT: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/sep/21/national-express-buy-stagecoach-bus-company
News article that isn't Birmingham Mail/Cov Telegraph for once.
Quote from: monkeyjoe on September 21, 2021, 06:46:52 PM
Maybe the coaches would branded national express and the buses stage coach ?
When it comes to this kind of acquisition, it is probably more likely that the Stagecoach 'brand' will be kept as it is, and the Stagecoach group would just become incorporated into the wider National Express group.
So I don't really see much changing, maybe not at first anyway.
Nationally, National Express is better known as a coach operator, they only operate buses in the West Midlands now, whereas Stagecoach is a well known name for bus operations across the UK. So I suppose there is the possibility that NX West Midlands and NX Coventry could be added to the existing Stagecoach Midlands operations. But still, that would require a lot of work to get 1500+ vehicles repainted and reliveried.
Quote from: Stu on September 21, 2021, 07:08:16 PM
Nationally, National Express is better known as a coach operator, they only operate buses in the West Midlands now, whereas Stagecoach is a well known name for bus operations across the UK. So I suppose there is the possibility that NX West Midlands and NX Coventry could be added to the existing Stagecoach Midlands operations. But still, that would require a lot of work to get 1500+ vehicles repainted and reliveried.
I can't see the need to repaint the familiar crimson/platinum vehicles in the West Mids into Stagecoach livery, even if they were renamed to "stagecoach" would make sense to keep the local livery.
Otherwise maybe a NX Warwickshire fleetname perhaps running the routes in the Stratford, Warwick, etc areas as that area is next to the West Midlands?
If this merger would to happen, I could see similar mergers happening with first and Arriva?
In regards to brands would say to drop the Stagecoach new livery and maybe have two tone variations around the country? Drop the NX name for a simple area name (excluding cities like Manchester who wants to go down the line as Transport for GM buses)
Xplore South West as a region operator and maybe likes of Plymouth getting a localised brand?
Obviously speculation there but with NX having the bigger share, they will have the final say on branding and restructuring.
Quote from: 2206 on September 21, 2021, 07:13:16 PM
I can't see the need to repaint the familiar crimson/platinum vehicles in the West Mids into Stagecoach livery, even if they were renamed to "stagecoach" would make sense to keep the local livery.
Otherwise maybe a NX Warwickshire fleetname perhaps running the routes in the Stratford, Warwick, etc areas as that area is next to the West Midlands?
Like I said, "possibility". And also like I said "I don't really see much changing, maybe not at first anyway".
But then again, its not the likes of you or me who will be making these decisions, who knows what they've got planned for the long-term strategy.
I think there would be some major reorganisation of operations to reflect the new company [If the merger goes ahead}
Such as the Stagecoach East Midlands [East Midland Operations], Stagecoach Midlands and NX West Midlands been one operating brand.
Could be wrong but I don't think any stagecoach business uses cash vaults so interchanging of vehicles between nx & stagecoach would be unlikely so they could keep separate identities.
Quote from: Steveminor on September 21, 2021, 09:00:47 PM
Could be wrong but I don't think any stagecoach business uses cash vaults so interchanging of vehicles between nx & stagecoach would be unlikely so they could keep separate identities.
Can they not install the cash vaults if needed?
The exact fare policy has always worked in the West Mids, so could work elsewhere as well.
Quote from: 2206 on September 21, 2021, 09:01:40 PM
Can they not install the cash vaults if needed?
Of course you can, and it is even easier to remove them, see fleetnumbers 729 & 730 acquired from ATG group for examples
Pity London has that annoying 100% rule in place otherwise Crimson would have been ideal for that fleet (isn't one of the Crimson Reds near enough the same as the London red?
Plus tbf the current route branding style is way better that what London trialled
Presumably in normal circumstances the competition authorities would have insisted on the sale of Stagecoach's Warwickshire operation, but who knows now?
Quote from: Tony on September 21, 2021, 09:04:19 PM
Of course you can, and it is even easier to remove them, see fleetnumbers 729 & 730 acquired from ATG group for examples
Easy enough to say & yes easy enough to do but why waste the time energy and money when you can just compartmentalise the fleets
Quote from: mikestone on September 22, 2021, 10:25:25 AM
Presumably in normal circumstances the competition authorities would have insisted on the sale of Stagecoach's Warwickshire operation, but who knows now?
The other challenge is that Coventry is due to be 100% electric bus within a couple of years making the operation less attractive for an acqusition
To be fair, would there be a competition review on the bus operation? The only corridors NX and Stagecoach compete on are the Nuneaton - Coventry and Coventry - Warwick Uni - Leamington corridors. Stagecoach operate within all the major towns and villages in Warwickshire (except Coleshill/Water Orton).
The main issue would be with the coach operations, as there aren't any nationwide options for coach apart from Megabus and National Express. Flixbus hasn't spread out so widely let, and the services from Bharat and Thandi are geared at certain communities. I could envision Megabus being sold out to someone, with Oxford Tube and some other popular direct services being retained.
I believe flixbus hold a considerable market share at present a they share concentrating on the more lucrative services
Quote from: Steveminor on September 22, 2021, 05:54:27 PM
I believe flixbus hold a considerable market share at present a they share concentrating on the more lucrative services
I hadn't thought that Flixbus had spread out as far in the UK yet. I know they're extensive in Europe (and I had an excellent journey using them from Poznan to Berlin and back), but I only see 49 UK stops on their map, a high proportion of which in the South West.
They have Manchester Leeds Liverpool & the Scotland services, they've been quietly growing their network.
Note Thandi are no longer a flixbus operator hence the step back at present from Midlands operations
With the 19th October approaching, will the merger be accepted by both shareholders? If successful how long would the merger take to happen or will it have to go through the competition commission first?
Quote from: BK63 YWP on October 13, 2021, 11:46:22 PM
With the 19th October approaching, will the merger be accepted by both shareholders? If successful how long would the merger take to happen or will it have to go through the competition commission first?
There's nothing to accept by the 19th Oct, NX haven't even made a formal offer yet.
Quote from: ellspurs on September 22, 2021, 11:23:02 AM
To be fair, would there be a competition review on the bus operation? The only corridors NX and Stagecoach compete on are the Nuneaton - Coventry and Coventry - Warwick Uni - Leamington corridors. Stagecoach operate within all the major towns and villages in Warwickshire (except Coleshill/Water Orton).
Its not neccesarily the actual routes they compete on, but rather the fact that lack of potential competion allows the incumbent to raise prices or put in high bids for tenders.
This morning's staff notice
"This morning Stagecoach announced that it has been granted an extension by the Takeover Panel to the date by which we would need to make a firm offer. This is to allow more time for discussions and due diligence to continue. These extensions are very common in these types of negotiations."
QuoteOn 21 September 2021, Stagecoach Group plc ("Stagecoach") and National Express Group PLC ("National Express") announced that they were in discussions in relation to a possible all-share combination (the "Potential Combination").
As announced on 18 October 2021, in accordance with Rule 2.6(a) of the Code, National Express is required, by not later than 5.00 p.m. (London time) on 16 November 2021, either to announce a firm intention to make an offer for Stagecoach in accordance with Rule 2.7 of the Code or to announce that it does not intend to make an offer for Stagecoach.
Reciprocal due diligence is now at an advanced stage and constructive discussions between Stagecoach and National Express are ongoing. The Boards of Stagecoach and National Express continue to believe that the Potential Combination would be a strategically compelling proposition delivering strong value creation for both sets of shareholders.
In light of the above, and in accordance with Rule 2.6(c) of the Code, the Board of Stagecoach has requested, and the Panel on Takeovers and Mergers (the "Takeover Panel") has consented to, an extension to the date by which National Express is required either to announce a firm intention to make an offer for Stagecoach in accordance with Rule 2.7 of the Code or to announce that it does not intend to make an offer, in which case the announcement will be treated as a statement to which Rule 2.8 of the Code applies. Such announcement must now be made by not later than 5.00 p.m. (London time) on 14 December 2021. This deadline can be extended by the Board of Stagecoach, with the consent of the Takeover Panel, in accordance with Rule 2.6(c) of the Code.
As noted above, discussions between the parties remain ongoing and there can be no certainty that an offer will be made.
A further announcement will be made as and when appropriate.
Source: https://otp.tools.investis.com/clients/uk/stagecoach/rns/regulatory-story.aspx?cid=273&newsid=1526319
TL;DR: Deadline extended to 14th December.
Looking at the regulatory news it appears NX are buying shares in Stagecaoch?
If i have read it correctly.
Quote from: pb2012 on December 03, 2021, 12:20:17 PM
Looking at the regulatory news it appears NX are buying shares in Stagecaoch?
If i have read it correctly.
Not that I'm aware of.
Can you post a link to which regulatory news you're referring?
https://www.nationalexpressgroup.com/investors/regulatory-news/
The same info appears on stagecoach investors news.
Assuming I’ve read it correctly?
Quote from: pb2012 on December 03, 2021, 03:12:43 PM
https://www.nationalexpressgroup.com/investors/regulatory-news/
The same info appears on stagecoach investors news.
Assuming I've read it correctly?
No, you're not reading it correctly, take the following as an example:
https://tools.eurolandir.com/tools/Pressreleases/GetPressRelease/?ID=4002862&lang=en-GB&companycode=uk-nex&v=2021
03 December 2021 15:20
Form 8.3 - National Express Group plc
1. KEY INFORMATION
(a) Full name of discloser: BlackRock, Inc.
It's the name of the discloser in section 1a that is doing the buying or selling, in this case BlackRock Inc
So in plain language are they merging or not?
Quote from: midlandred2003 on December 03, 2021, 04:21:35 PM
So in plain language are they merging or not?
I honestly don't know, it's a case of wait and see as to whether they merge or not, I personally don't have that information.
We will have to wait for the next announcement in a couple of weeks time. All I know is talks are still ongoing
Quote from: midlandred2003 on December 03, 2021, 04:21:35 PM
So in plain language are they merging or not?
NX haven't decided whether or not to make a formal takeover offer for Stagecoach yet
Quote from: Tony on December 03, 2021, 05:46:54 PM
We will have to wait for the next announcement in a couple of weeks time. All I know is talks are still ongoing
For anyone out of the loop, the deadline is the 14th December for NX to make a firm offer. It can be done sooner though, and the deadline can be extended again with the consent of both parties.
Next announcement now released
https://otp.investis.com/generic/regulatory-story.aspx?cid=273&newsid=1536057
Hi Tony are there any conditions involving sale of certain parts of Stagecoach to keep competition people happy.
Lots of new interesting depot runs for you?
Quote from: midlandred2003 on December 14, 2021, 11:45:40 AM
Hi Tony are there any conditions involving sale of certain parts of Stagecoach to keep competition people happy.
Lots of new interesting depot runs for you?
As with any merger or takeover, nothing's gonna change for a while yet, and I'd imagine the specifics haven't been nailed down at this early stage.
Quote from: midlandred2003 on December 14, 2021, 11:45:40 AM
Hi Tony are there any conditions involving sale of certain parts of Stagecoach to keep competition people happy.
Lots of new interesting depot runs for you?
Stagecoach have also announced that they have agreed to dispose of Megabus, Falcon & their 35% stake in Scottish Citylink to Comfort Delgro
https://otp.tools.investis.com/clients/uk/stagecoach/rns/regulatory-story.aspx?cid=273&newsid=1536056
Excellent news. Fingers crossed for the residents of Warwickshire that Stagecoach Midlands can amalgamate fully with NXWM/Cov to create a really good integrated transport network stretching from Oxford up to Cannock. Let's hope the monopoly commission keep their noses out otherwise passengers will get short changed by having multiple companies.
This sort of deal needs to be the future of bus travel, not lots of different companies with no common links.
With the takeover of Stagecoach will NXbus passes be valid on the Stagecoach buses in Warwick area
Quote from: Solo1 on December 14, 2021, 04:04:10 PM
With the takeover of Stagecoach will NXbus passes be valid on the Stagecoach buses in Warwick area
Nobody knows yet, none of the details like that have been worked out. Just be patient and wait for news.
In terms of identity, is there going to be a group colour-scheme, name, emblem etc. Or do they select one of the current ones?
Let's hope they
don't keep the new stagecoach liveries.
Quote from: j789 on December 14, 2021, 02:56:44 PM
Excellent news. Fingers crossed for the residents of Warwickshire that Stagecoach Midlands can amalgamate fully with NXWM/Cov to create a really good integrated transport network stretching from Oxford up to Cannock. Let's hope the monopoly commission keep their noses out otherwise passengers will get short changed by having multiple companies.
This sort of deal needs to be the future of bus travel, not lots of different companies with no common links.
Can I ask were you this excited when rotala acquired Hanson's, central buses or indeed redditch and Kidderminster?
Quote from: paulb1973 on December 14, 2021, 04:45:46 PM
In terms of identity, is there going to be a group colour-scheme, name, emblem etc. Or do they select one of the current ones?
Quote from: midlandred2003 on December 14, 2021, 05:08:33 PM
Let's hope they
don't keep the new stagecoach liveries.
It was mentioned in the press release that the Stagecoach brand is being retained. I could see NXWM being brought into the Stagecoach brand, since it'd be the odd one out in the group, with the coach operations retaining the National Express branding.
Quote from: DJ on December 14, 2021, 05:23:23 PM
It was mentioned in the press release that the Stagecoach brand is being retained. I could see NXWM being brought into the Stagecoach brand, since it'd be the odd one out in the group, with the coach operations retaining the National Express branding.
I think I speculated about this before, where I suggested the NX Bus divisions (NXWM and NXC) could eventually become absorbed into the Stagecoach Midlands operation. This obviously wouldn't happen straight away though.
Quote from: DJ on December 14, 2021, 05:23:23 PM
It was mentioned in the press release that the Stagecoach brand is being retained. I could see NXWM being brought into the Stagecoach brand, since it'd be the odd one out in the group, with the coach operations retaining the National Express branding.
This is an interesting question. Carla Stockton-Jones, current U.K. MD of Stagecoach is proposed as MD of U.K. Bus of the combined group - as ex (or legacy??!!) Stagecoach is the larger bus constituent of the combined group this makes sense I guess, although it's operation is significantly different from the West Midlands.
However, I would have thought it unlikely that the branding for buses in the West Midlands would change much as that would make little sense bearing in mind particularly the manner in which the Platinum brand has been developed, the remainder of the fleet largely consolidated into the crimson livery and established as a quality operator. Maybe some integration around Coventry could be sensible but again, NX Coventry is far more aligned with TfWM in terms of WM Bus than Stagecoach is.
It's notable the percentage of NX share value Stagecoach share holders will receive - an indicator of the relative values of the two companies.
We will have to wait and see what happens. It's quite ironic that NX should be taking over Stagecoach, given the reversed situation a decade or so ago - even more so Jorge Cosmen (current Deputy Chairman NX and proposed Deputy Chairman of the combined group) was involved in both.
Quote from: Stu on December 14, 2021, 06:40:46 PM
I think I speculated about this before, where I suggested the NX Bus divisions (NXWM and NXC) could eventually become absorbed into the Stagecoach Midlands operation. This obviously wouldn't happen straight away though.
West Midlands Travel Ltd (NXWM and NX Cov) 1600+ buses is far larger than Stagecoach Midlands, so it would be easier for the Stagecoach Midlands operations to be merged into West Midlands Travel I would have thought!
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 14, 2021, 05:12:01 PM
Can I ask were you this excited when rotala acquired Hanson's, central buses or indeed redditch and Kidderminster?
Well where to start??? One of the reasons why I'm happy about this is that it possibly rejoins large areas of former Midland Red operation that had been split up over many years. The second is that passengers in Warwickshire and surrounding area towns and cities WILL benefit from this merger if the current set ups are allowed to be kept. Direct platinum standard services between Birmingham and Warwick, Leicester, Evesham, even Oxford will be possible! With the consistently poor train service to these areas, long distance bus travel now has the potential to be a viable option for passengers. With the Oxford services, increased links to London are also now possible from places farther afield. Combining Platinum and the 'Gold' brands will increase travel standards across a large area and integrated network tickets are now feasible. These are all benefits.
Now Rotala taking over those companies - why was I less excited? Perhaps because the benefits to passengers wasn't exactly obvious. Take the 226 route for example, I'd think having 2 operators Hanson's and Diamond, on there was better for passengers in terms of keeping fares down and increased frequencies. Is the current Rotala 226 matching the frequency of the former combined Diamond/Hanson's operation I'd be interested to know? As for Redditch and Kidderminster, whilst I know Rotala are trying to increase passenger numbers in those areas with better buses, the passenger experience in those areas is now worse than it was 15 or 20 years ago under Midland Red West, in terms of service provision and frequencies.
Also, those independents all had a 'unique' identity, particular Central, and the replacement services don't exactly stand out now (if those original routes even are still run now). How excited were you exactly with those particular takeovers???? 🤔
Quote from: D10 on December 14, 2021, 08:39:24 PM
West Midlands Travel Ltd (NXWM and NX Cov) 1600+ buses is far larger than Stagecoach Midlands, so it would be easier for the Stagecoach Midlands operations to be merged into West Midlands Travel I would have thought!
Possibly NX Cov could be merged with the Stagecoach area to become NX South Midlands.
Quote from: j789 on December 14, 2021, 08:53:31 PM
Possibly NX Cov could be merged with the Stagecoach area to become NX South Midlands.
yes and making all the coventry routes electric
I wonder if the NXWM fleets will be renumbered into the Stagecoach series. Lots of work for Tony on this site if they do! 2201
Quote from: winston on December 15, 2021, 12:32:48 PM
I'm aware the new enlarged NX will become a Megabus Contractor to ComfortDelgro.
But unless the local bus services & assets are moved from MRS Limited to say WMT Ltd or a new holding company, they currently appear to be included in the sale too. There is also potential for CMA action over NXC & Stagecoach Wawickshire too.
No, they are not included in the sale, remember Midland Red (South) isn't just Warwickshire. It's Northampton, Bedford and Kettering as well. Only the Megabus support services provided by MRS are included
Quote from: Tony on December 15, 2021, 02:04:23 PM
No, they are not included in the sale, remember Midland Red (South) isn't just Warwickshire. It's Northampton, Bedford and Kettering as well. Only the Megabus support services provided by MRS are included
Thanks for the confirmation, I didn't realise Northampton, Bedford & Kettering were under MRS Ltd too. I'll remove my posts & any replies to save any confusion.
Quote from: winston on December 15, 2021, 02:19:51 PM
Thanks for the confirmation, I didn't realise Northampton, Bedford & Kettering were under MRS Ltd too. I'll remove my posts & any replies to save any confusion.
I thought Bedford was controlled from Cambridge.
Quote from: markcf83 on December 15, 2021, 11:08:39 PM
I thought Bedford was controlled from Cambridge.
Bedford is part of Stagecoach East, it moved in August 2010 when the rest of the United Counties was merged with Stagecoach Midland Red South to create Stagecoach Midlands, that is apart from Banbury which was moved to become part of Stagecoach Oxford, which has just been merged with Stagecoach West.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-60138218#:~:text=A%20%C2%A31.9bn%20merger,Express%2C%20was%20agreed%20in%20December.
Has anyone read how long the probe will take. Remember the Asda / Sainsburys one taking some time.
Quote from: monkeyjoe on January 26, 2022, 05:07:16 PM
Has anyone read how long the probe will take. Remember the Asda / Sainsburys one taking some time.
I expect we are talking months rather than weeks. As two parties are working on a merger taking place towards the end of this year, they have no doubt factored in this possibility, and (if the go-ahead is given) it may not blow the timescale off course.
Quote from: monkeyjoe on January 26, 2022, 05:07:16 PM
Has anyone read how long the probe will take. Remember the Asda / Sainsburys one taking some time.
There's no time scale for it currently, I was told it could be weeks, months, or even longer. We know as much as everyone else.
Quote from: monkeyjoe on January 26, 2022, 05:07:16 PM
Has anyone read how long the probe will take. Remember the Asda / Sainsburys one taking some time.
But unlike the ASDA Sainsbury's merger this is very much different. This is in part due to the fact how the Bus sphere is changing with the franchising in some areas. The main difference is the fact there is only two conflicts NXC SMR and NX Coaches MegaBus. The other one which would have coursed a conflict was Sold off Dundee. Now yes I did say 2 but the CMA (or what ever they want to call themselves) may find NEATs and any other part of the NX operations as a conflict.
How ever to completely contradict my self it might not take as long as we think due to the fact that everything was passed ok in Redditch and Kidderminster for the FMR ops that were Sold to Rotala, due to Johnsons and Stagecoach running services in the area. And if I'm not mistaken Johnsons and Rotala run services in the NXC/SMR area too. So it shouldn't take as much time as thee failed ASDA Sainsbury's deal.
Quote from: tank90 on January 26, 2022, 08:00:39 PM
But unlike the ASDA Sainsbury's merger this is very much different. This is in part due to the fact how the Bus sphere is changing with the franchising in some areas. The main difference is the fact there is only two conflicts NXC SMR and NX Coaches MegaBus. The other one which would have coursed a conflict was Sold off Dundee. Now yes I did say 2 but the CMA (or what ever they want to call themselves) may find NEATs and any other part of the NX operations as a conflict.
How ever to completely contradict my self it might not take as long as we think due to the fact that everything was passed ok in Redditch and Kidderminster for the FMR ops that were Sold to Rotala, due to Johnsons and Stagecoach running services in the area. And if I'm not mistaken Johnsons and Rotala run services in the NXC/SMR area too. So it shouldn't take as much time as thee failed ASDA Sainsbury's deal.
You say that, but now they Covid as an excuse to slow things down lol
Quote from: tank90 on January 26, 2022, 08:00:39 PMThe main difference is the fact there is only two conflicts NXC SMR and NX Coaches MegaBus.
For the NXC SMR conflict could we see some services being given to Rotala? In Coventry they lost the X30 and the 1 a while back.
Quote from: Sandy Lane on January 27, 2022, 06:18:34 PM
For the NXC SMR conflict could we see some services being given to Rotala? In Coventry they lost the X30 and the 1 a while back.
From a passenger point of view it would be far better allowing the merger of the Stagecoach Midland and NXCov fleets as this would provide a far more integrated network than is currently available. Having to give up some routes is completely nonsensical as it breaks up the network and will just create another small operator network that in this current day and age won't be financially viable long term.
I hope the monopoly people see sense in this situation and see the bigger picture of where bus travel is headed. It's not 1986 anymore.
Quote from: j789 on January 27, 2022, 06:28:45 PM
From a passenger point of view it would be far better allowing the merger of the Stagecoach Midland and NXCov fleets as this would provide a far more integrated network than is currently available. Having to give up some routes is completely nonsensical as it breaks up the network and will just create another small operator network that in this current day and age won't be financially viable long term.
I hope the monopoly people see sense in this situation and see the bigger picture of where bus travel is headed. It's not 1986 anymore.
Possible example might be Cannock?
Just read a report that the offer by NX has been or will be rejected by stagecoach in favour of an all cash offer by private equity group not sure how accurate the report is anyone know more??
https://www.ft.com/content/518fb08a-dd65-4bf3-bdc8-76b3c918900c?segmentid=acee4131-99c2-09d3-a635-873e61754ec6&fbclid=IwAR2xBjO8DtGjffnBHbySPD1uK5llQQTQXPvsGgEU4scxODDnbZ-fa90T_lM
Quote from: Tony on March 09, 2022, 08:52:40 AM
https://www.ft.com/content/518fb08a-dd65-4bf3-bdc8-76b3c918900c?segmentid=acee4131-99c2-09d3-a635-873e61754ec6&fbclid=IwAR2xBjO8DtGjffnBHbySPD1uK5llQQTQXPvsGgEU4scxODDnbZ-fa90T_lM
That new recommended cash offer appears to have thrown a rather large spanner in NX's takeover proposal
Best news this year! I was afraid NatEx West Midlands would become just another anonymous Stagecoach subsidiary with exactly the same vehicles you see in Torquay, Dover, Manchester, Newcastle, etc....
Quote from: Stevo on March 09, 2022, 09:48:34 AM
Best news this year! I was afraid NatEx West Midlands would become just another anonymous Stagecoach subsidiary with exactly the same vehicles you see in Torquay, Dover, Manchester, Newcastle, etc....
National Express was the one taking over Stagecoach, not the other way around, and the two companies already operate similar fleets, with a large number of ADL vehicles making up the bulk of it.
The latest blog by Busandtrainuser gives a perspective on the sale to DWS and who they are.
https://busandtrainuser.com/2022/03/10/a-new-chapter-for-stagecoach/
Has National Express ended its interest in Stagecoach? Do we know?
Quote from: RW on March 25, 2022, 10:19:37 AM
Has National Express ended its interest in Stagecoach? Do we know?
No
Tony, is that 'no' Nat Ex hasn't ended its interest in Stagecoach or 'no' we don't know?
Quote from: RW on March 25, 2022, 09:48:40 PM
Tony, is that 'no' Nat Ex hasn't ended its interest in Stagecoach or 'no' we don't know?
https://www.cityam.com/stagecoach-merger-creates-superior-value-than-dws-offer-says-national-express/
Thanks Tony. Still looks as though DWS offer is forging ahead. Papers going out to Stagecoach shareholders as we speak. No clear sign Nat Exp. might still be in the running.
It looks increasing likely NX's takeover attempt of Stagecoach will fail, DWS have already acquired a 16.99% stake in Stagecoach shares & also have commitment from Ann Gloags for her stake:
https://www.heraldscotland.com/business_hq/20022671.stagecoach-suitor-snaps-100-million-shares-scottish-company/
Quote from: winston on March 27, 2022, 01:47:52 PM
It looks increasing likely NX's takeover attempt of Stagecoach will fail, DWS have already acquired a 16.99% stake in Stagecoach shares & also have commitment from Ann Gloags for her stake:
https://www.heraldscotland.com/business_hq/20022671.stagecoach-suitor-snaps-100-million-shares-scottish-company/
I have seen an article about the stagecoach chairman of stagecoach have links with DWS https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/markets/article-10655417/Stagecoach-chief-Raymond-OToole-conflict-German-bid.html
It's all gone v quiet.
It will do whole the shareholders are deciding whether to accept the other offer
Quote from: Sandy Lane on May 07, 2022, 06:12:11 PMIt's all gone v quiet.
As of the 4th May, the DWS recommended cash offer, had only got 30.02%, 16.99% of those votes were what DWS had purchased off Threadneedle Assett Management. Normally DWS would need 75% of acceptances to compulsory purchase the remainder, somehow DWS have got this lowered to 50% + 1 share
https://otp.tools.investis.com/clients/uk/stagecoach/rns/regulatory-story.aspx?cid=273&newsid=1579598
Thanks for the info.
As of 3pm yesterday, DWS still only have acceptances for 30.26% which includes 16.99% stake they acquired.
https://otp.tools.investis.com/clients/uk/stagecoach/rns/regulatory-story.aspx?cid=273&newsid=1581970
There's only 11 days to run until 1pm 21st May.
Is it known what percentage NX have?
QuoteIs it known what percentage NX have?
Nil
NX has confirmed they will not be upping their offer for Stagecoach:
https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/markets/article-10820749/National-Express-refuses-budge-Stagecoach-takeover-offer.html
Whilst DWS still only have 30.36% acceptances of the 50% needed.
DWS have won the battle for Stagecoach, their offer has now gone unconditional, NX's takeover offer has now lapsed:
https://otp.investis.com/generic/regulatory-story.aspx?cid=273&newsid=1586235