Next stop

5 February 2019 By Liam Proud Follow @liamwardproud

German and French politicians are annoyed because the rail merger may be blocked. But their argument that the deal is needed to shield Europe from Chinese competition is flawed. The duo’s workers may also suffer. This is the wrong regional standard-bearer to promote.

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Siemens will accept defeat if the European Commission blocks its plan to merge its train unit with French peer Alstom, the German conglomerate’s Chief Executive, Joe Kaeser, said on Jan. 30.

"We are not bitter, we are not angry at all. We have different options. If it works it will be good for Europe, Siemens, Alstom, and for customers," Kaeser said. "If not, we will continue to lead in mobility as we have before."

The commission is due to announce its decision by Feb. 18. Reuters reported on Jan. 18 that antitrust regulators were minded to veto the deal.

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