The Competition and Markets Authority has accepted that the least “economically advantageous” bid will be removed from the competitive tender, in the latest update from the inquiry into HS2 bids from Bouygues and EQUANS.
In a document released on 30 August 2022 by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), it was revealed that both companies are appointing an independent third-party expert to ascertain which bid should be pulled.
Both businesses are competing for contracts to supply HS2 with services to install and maintain overhead power cables, but the ensuing merger of the two businesses may constitute a breach of competition law.
The tender concerns EQUANS subsidiaries SPL Powerlines UK Limited and INEO (acting together as Rapide JV) and Bouygues-owned Colas Rail. Keltbray is bidding as part of a joint venture with Rapide JV.
Bouygues and EQUANS have proposed to appoint Ingerop, a French independent engineering company that has “extensive experience with high-speed rail projects”, including the design of overhead catenary systems.
Interested parties are being invited to comment on the decision by 14 September 2022, before the CMA makes its final decision.
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