The French company Alstom, builder of high-speed TGV trains, among others, is taking over the Bombardier train branch. That Canadian company makes airplanes in addition to trains. The acquisition amount can go up to EUR 6.2 billion.
The Dutch Railways, among others, use Bombardier locomotives. The Canadian company also made software for the light rail connection between Schiedam and Hoek van Holland. That delivery was delayed several times.
Not the first time
It is not the first time that the two companies are involved in a proposed merger. Bombardier, for example, wanted to merge his train branch with that of Siemens in Germany, but the Germans eventually decided to merge with Alstom. It didn’t happen, because the European Commission stopped it.
Bombardier has had financial problems for some time. The aircraft and train builder has also recently sold other branches, such as the departments that make propeller aircraft and regional commercial aircraft.
‘Great news’
The deal is likely to be completed early next year. French Finance Minister Le Maire speaks of “great news” for France, Canada and Europe. He says that with the purchase Alstom is prepared for the future, in which international competition is increasing.
Tomorrow Le Maire will discuss the acquisition with European Commissioner for Competition. She can still reject the deal. In Canada, too, the sale of the Bombardier trains must still be approved.
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