(04 Jun 2021, 2:47 pm)Adrian wrote We're a discussion forum, where we discuss things.

You'll be referring to the Competition and Markets Authority, and I agree with you that they're very unlikely to allow it to be sold as a whole. Depot by depot is the most likely outcome, unless DB have a change of heart, but I reckon that'd still be subject to review and approval (depending on who bids for what, and how much of a monopoly it would give said operator)

Wasn't there plans to float Arriva on the stock exchange instead. Imo that'll be a more likely scenario than them selling it off, obviously right now isn't the right time though.

I do think we will see more of them flogging off the undesirable parts though but that won't be the current North East and Yorkshire depots and will be down South where there's areas that have made a loss for years in particularly in the Midlands where Cannock has already gone.

Also to the suggestion for Stagecoach buying Darlington and GNE buying Ashington that isn't happening they both literally sold up in each of the areas in the last 15 years. SE Northumberland / Jesmond has to be owned by one operator or it just wouldn't work and would be a disaster for passengers and would be suicidal for anyone to even attempt to buy them.