Alstom has officially confirmed its talks with Bombardier. The French train manufacturer plans to purchase the rail business unit of the Canadian company. The other details have not been disclosed. Alstom will report them after achieving the definitive results.

“Alstom confirms being in discussions with Bombardier regarding a possible acquisition of Bombardier Transportation by Alstom. Discussions are on-going. No final decision has been made,” the French rolling stock manufacturer stated on Monday, 17 February. It also noted that the public will be informed in case of ‘any material developments in this respect’.

Possible price

Earlier, some French media reported that Alstom has estimated the rail business of Bombardier at 7 billion dollars (around 6.5 billion euros). “According to our information, Alstom had made for the first time a non-binding offer for the transportation division of Bombardier at a value of 7 billion dollars,” the French title BFM Business announced last week.

According to the media, this price is still a subject of negotiations and it could be lowered. During this weekend, there was scheduled a meeting of the Alstom’s board where this issue should be discussed. Its results are unknown. It is worth to add that the deal between Alstom and Bombardier must be approved by the European antitrust authorities.

Read also:

• Bombardier in merger talks with Alstom
• CRRC purchases locomotive business from Vossloh