Trainose bids get new extension

Greece’s asset sell-off fund TAIPED has granted a second extension for bids for the acquisition of a 100-percent stake in rail operator Trainose, setting the new deadline for July 6.

The same date has also been assigned for bids for the Hellenic Company for Rolling Stock Maintenance (Rosco).

TAIPED said that the extension was granted on the request of one of the companies bidding for the Greek national rail operator. Sources said the company in question is Italy’s Ternitalia, which appears to be the preferred bidder in the competition, which also includes Russia’s RZD and Greek construction firm GEK-Terna.

Sources also suggested that RZD may pull out of the race following the European Union’s decision to extend sanctions over the annexation of Crimea.