6.6 C
London
Tuesday, March 19, 2024

ORR: Siemens-Alstom merger would have “detrimental impact on competition”

Listen to this article

Britain’s rail regulator, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), has welcomed the opening of an investigation by the European Commission into the planned merger of Siemens and Alstom.

The ORR believes the combined resources of two of the largest rail industry suppliers in the world would “have a significant detrimental impact on competition in important British rail markets”.

The subsequent lack of competition could lead to significantly higher costs, said the ORR, impacting negatively on passengers and taxpayers.

In September 2017, Siemens and Alstom announced proposals to combine the transport divisions of both businesses, creating a “European champion in the rail industry” to combat the rise of Chinese suppliers.

On July 13, the European Commission opened an in-depth investigation into the proposed acquisition of Alstom by its German rival.


Like this story? Follow us on Facebook to keep up to date with rail industry news


The Commission cited concerns it had about reduced competition in rolling stock and signalling markets leading to higher costs and less innovation. The ORR suggested that together Siemens and Alstom represent around 75 per cent of the British signalling market.

The Commission has until November 21 to issue a decision but pointed out that the majority of notified mergers are cleared following a routine review and that the opening of an investigation would not prejudice the outcome.

Siemens and Alstom now hope to complete the transaction during the first half of 2019.

ORR chief executive Joanna Whittington said: “Competition in the supply chains which support Great Britain’s railway is essential if passengers and taxpayers are to receive a high quality service at an efficient cost.

“We are concerned that the proposed merger of Siemens and Alstom will significantly reduce competition, leading to increased costs in Britain’s railway signalling and rolling stock markets. That is why we are setting out strong arguments to the European Commission and pressing for significant structural remedies to ensure competition in key railway supply chains is protected.”


Read more: Delay to Siemens Alstom merger “cannot be excluded”


 

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest Rail News

Network Rail and the Railway Children raise over £130,000 to help vulnerable children

Network Rail has teamed up with the charity Railway Children to host a fifth annual sleepout event in railway...

More like this...