The NMBS confirms that a “preferred bidder” has been indicated. This means that the railway company is now negotiating with one party to reach a formal agreement. The CEO of Alstom Benelux Bernard Belvaux responds disappointed. According to Belvaux, Alstom’s proposal was more than 100 million euros cheaper than CAF’s. The global score of both providers was similar, he says, although Caf would score slightly better.
Christof Flokman, ACV Metea: “Battle everywhere. Certainly if you see the differences: that Alstom is 100 million cheaper than CAF and that it is actually about the technology. CAF has a lead of 0.4 percent. 76.3 compared to 75.9. That is negligible.”