PN Tasmanian sale still to go ahead

Asciano has rejected claims it was reconsidering the sale of its Tasmanian rail assets, saying the bidding process for the Pacific National business was still underway.

“Our priority and continued preference is to sell the entire Pacific National Tasmania business as a going concern,” Asciano said in a written response.

“We are continuing to operate the business as usual, providing freight rail services to our customers.

“The sales process must be allowed to take its natural course – Asciano will continue to provide information regarding any developments regarding this process at the relevant time.”

The Hobart Mercury reported yesterday that Asciano had shelved its controversial sale.

The state's Greens party recently touted Florida-based, short-haul train operator Patriot Rail Corporation as a possible bidder for the assets, a leak that infuriated the Government.

It was reported the US company had offered Asciano $25m.