Arriva merger talks hit buffers

British transport firm Arriva today said talks with France’s national rail operator about creating a new European industry giant had come to nothing.

Arriva said in late January that it was in the early stage of talks over a potential tie-up with “all or part” of Keolis, which is 44.5% owned by SNCF. Keolis – which has the largest bus and coach fleet in France – employs 40,000 staff with operations in Europe, Algeria, Australia and Canada.