Expresses Concern Over Bombardier’s Finances, But Takeover Proceeds

French rail giant Alstom SA is warning that problems at Bombardier’s train division may affect negotiations to buy it, but says it still plans to go ahead with the takeover deal.

Alstom says that “negative developments” around the train unit’s operations and finances revealed in Bombardier’s quarterly earnings report last week have prompted the would-be buyer to “take into account the consequences” during upcoming discussions.

On Thursday, Bombardier reported an additional charge of $435 million US at its rail business, largely related to costs at late-stage projects in the UK and Germany.

Late last month the European Commission gave the green light to Alstom’s US$8.2-billion purchase of the Bombardier train unit following an investigation that found the transaction raised serious competition issues, prompting “significantly improved” commitments from Alstom, according to European competition authorities.

A Bombardier spokesperson says it is complying with all the conditions of the deal and that it will continue to work toward signing the final agreement as soon as possible.

Full Content: MRO Magazine

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