Broomhead confirmed as new Asciano chairman
By Rob McKay
Former Orica managing director Malcolm Broomhead will replace Tim Poole as Asciano chairman, the ports and rail firm said on September 4th.
There will also be two new non-executive directors added to its board – former ANZ Bank deputy chief executive Dr Bob Edgar and former Crown Ltd and Woolworths chief financial officer Geoff Kleeman.
“The Asciano board is extremely pleased to have three such high caliber directors joining the board,” Poole, said.
“The board changes, together with the recently announced senior management changes and now-completed capital raising, place the group in a strong position and enhance an already very positive outlook.”
Poole will step down from his current role at Asciano’s annual meeting on October 23rd.
Source: Lloyd’s List Daily Commercial News – www.lloydslistdcn.com.au
Leighton seals Melbourne passenger rail contract
By Sineva Toevai
Listed project developer and contractor Leighton Holdings has finalised a deal with Victoria’s transport department to operate and maintain Melbourne’s passenger rail network.
The deal, due to begin an initial term of eight years in November, is expected to generate $162 million in annual revenue for Leighton’s John Holland subsidiary.
It follows Leighton’s contract for the $152m rail upgrade of the Hunter Valley coal chain.
Source: Lloyd’s List Daily Commercial News – www.lloydslistdcn.com.au
SNCF and Eurotunnel buy Veolia Cargo
French railway company SNCF and Groupe Eurotunnel have reportedly bought Veolia Cargo. SNCF has taken over rail companies based in Germany, the
Netherlands and Italy, while Eurotunnel is acquiring the French branch of Veolia Cargo — Socorail, Veolia Cargo France, Veolia Cargo LInk and CFTA Cargo, it was reported. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
AGIC National Conference for Infrastructure Sustainability
The Australian Green Infrastructure Council (AGIC) is holding its inaugural national conference for Infrastructure Sustainability on October 7th.
The conference is a significant milestone in AGIC’s mission to develop a Rating Scheme that delivers sustainable solutions in the design, construction and operation of Australian infrastructure.
The conference will focus on the projects shaping the country’s future growth and the sustainability challenges and opportunities facing the infrastructure industry. It will also outline AGIC’s progress with the infrastructure sustainability Rating Scheme. Guest speakers include representatives from State and Federal government departments, investment and legal service providers and planning, design and construction companies.
The conference will be held on Wednesday October 7th at the Sydney Convention Centre from 7.30am to 5.00pm. For more information visit: www.agic.net.au
BBI confirms interim agreement with investor
By Sineva Toevai
Babcock & Brown Infrastructure (BBI) has revealed it has entered into an interim agreement with a potential cornerstone investor about a recapitalisation plan.
The shares of the infrastructure investor were halted las week pending an announcement about the discussions.
The two parties “continue to negotiate in good faith the development of a proposed transaction”, BBI said in a statement to the Australian Securities Exchange.
“This agreement includes a non-solicitation obligation on BBI, a capped cost reimbursement provision in favour of the potential cornerstone investor and a three month right of first refusal over the sale of certain assets, if BBI chooses to sell those assets.”
BBI has been trying to sell several of its assets including its wholly-owned Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal in Queensland.
The listed infrastructure investor said earlier this year that it had received several expressions of interest for the coal terminal.
BBI recently reported a net loss of $977 million for the year ended June 30th following a $44 million loss a year earlier.
Source: Lloyd’s List Daily Commercial News – www.lloydslistdcn.com.au
 
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