D Bahn close to winning Chiltern [Laing]

[Metroland]

Deutsche Bahn, Europe's largest train operator, has emerged as the most likely buyer for the operator of Chiltern Trains.

The German group appears to have edged out an arm of the Netherlands' national railways, its only serious competitor to buy Laing Rail, according to rail industry executives.

As well as Chiltern Railways, one of the best-regarded British train operators, Laing Rail owns half of a company operating overground trains in London under the London Overground brand. It also has a 50 per cent stake in the Wrexham, Shropshire and Marylebone Railway, due to start operating this spring.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22734575/

 

[Metroland]

ding. ding sold! German railways now has EWS and Chiltern.

The German rail operator Deutsche Bahn AG (DB) has announced the acquisition of Laing Rail, owners of Chiltern Railways and joint owners of London Overground Rail Operations Ltd and Wrexham, Shropshire and Marylebone Railway Ltd. This transaction remains subject to approval from the Department for Transport, Transport for London and the Office of Rail Regulation.

Chiltern Railways will become part of DB Regio AG, the division of Deutsche Bahn responsible for operating regional and local services.

This announcement ends months of speculation and marks Deutsche Bahn’s entry into the competitive UK passenger rail market.

http://www.therailwaycentre.com/News January 2008/210108_Laing.html

 

[Callufrax]

I wonder if the sale also includes the continued use of the Chiltern name.