Alstom Transport and Transmashholding (TMH) have signed a memorandum of understanding to launch a strategic partnership, that will see the setting up of a specialist joint venture company to deliver double-deck coaches for the Russian market.
Besides ensuring technical co-operation between the two firms, the MoU includes an option for Alstom to purchase an equity stake in TMH up to 25% plus one share, subject to a due diligence audit.
The joint venture is initially focusing on the supply of double-deck intercity coaches to Russian Railways.
Tenders are due this month for supply of 1,210 double-deck intercity coaches for Russian Railways which will operate on the St Petersburg, Moscow, Sochi route.
The coaches will be of hotel train standards, suitable for long-distance routes, with sleeping cars, couchettes and showers as well as full restaurant cars.
Alstom prequalified for the tender in May, and was subsequently selected by TMH to become its technical partner. The two firms have now decided to create a joint venture known as TMH-Alstom DV. TMH will hold a 51% stake and Alstom the remaining 49%. If the joint venture wins the tender, the trains are likely to be manufactured at Tver, where the existing TMH plant may be modernised or rebuilt.
In the longer term, Alstom Transport and TMH are looking at establishing a joint platform for a new generation of freight and passenger locomotives, drawing on expertise from both partners and adapted to Russian requirements.
By Daniel Garrun
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