What will happen to Nat Ex West Midlands

[robertclark125]

The turmoil that National Express finds itself in at the moment, with debt problems, and takeovers being rejected, leaves some questions, and possible scenarios.

What's the bet that the big groups, and any other prospective buyer for Nat Ex West Midlands, waits to see if Nat Ex goes into receivership? If it does, then the group could be split, even the West Midlands operations, and that could lead to assets being sold off cheaply. As an example, Coventry could be sold off separatley from Yardley Wood depot.

Go Ahead, therefore, could return to the West Midlands market, buy buying the more dominant operator. Transdev, as an example, could enter Scotland, with the purchase of Dundee.

All speculation, but has anyone else got any other ideas?

 

[mbonwick]

Stagecoach.

They are very interested in NatEx assets, so I'd imagine that if they cant have the whole company, they'll buy selected areas.

 

[Mojo]

I've heard Stagecoach as well. This would also explain why their rebranding operation seems to have all but halted. There are even a number of buses round here just running around in plain white and a few more in debranded red and white, although most are still in Travel West Midlands colours.

NXWM is one of the most profitable bus operations in the country (despite their cheap fares) so I should imagine there could be a lot of interest, particularly if one company is willing to invest and improve the service.

I'd like to see GoAhead though; I have to confess to being a big fan of theirs!

 

[mbonwick]

Go Ahead prefer high-density commuter locations - does NXWM fit this?

 

[robertclark125]

Well Go Ahead did own Diamond Bus company for a bit. They didn't make money on that occasion. NXWM is the bigger operator though, so it could be a possibility.