03.07.02

Porterbrook Leasing, a part of Abbey National Treasury Services, has appointed Rupert Brennan-Brown to be its new Head of Communications.

Mr Brennan-Brown's appointment to this new position aims to build on the growing success of Porterbrook in winning new rolling stock leasing contracts in both the UK and Europe.

Mark Pain, Managing Director of Wholesale Banking at Abbey National said

"Rupert's experience will be particularly valuable as Porterbrook makes further in-roads into the UK and European rolling stock operating leasing market."

Keith Howard, Porterbrook's Commercial Director, said

"Porterbrook have won 20 out of the 33 passenger rolling stock orders placed in the UK since privatisation and we are planning to build on that and our continuing success in Europe."

"Porterbrook understands the importance of communicating with its existing customers as well as with potential new ones. One of the key messages that Rupert is tasked with getting into the market place is the benefit that Train and Freight Operating Companies have already gained by selecting Porterbrook as a rolling stock supplier. We also believe that the appointment of a Head of Communications will enable us to keep the UK and International rail market informed of the growing range of leasing products, such as ticketing gates and other rail related assets, that Porterbrook can offer"

Rupert Brennan-Brown was previously acting Head of Public Affairs for Cross London Rail Links Limited (Crossrail). Prior to joining Crossrail in October of 2001 Rupert was Communications Projects Manager at London Underground. Previous industry posts included Communications Manager for Infraco JNP Limited and as a Press and PR Officer for British Rail.

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Note to Editors:

• Porterbrook Leasing Company Limited ("Porterbrook") is a leading player in the UK rail leasing market.
• Porterbrook has a rolling stock fleet of over 5,500 vehicles on lease or on order, which includes about 4,000 passenger vehicles. These are supplied under operating leases to 18 of the 25 train operating companies (TOCs) within the UK. The company also provides ongoing train and tram maintenance services.
• Porterbrook has been highly successful in winning new train orders since privatisation, with over £1.3 billion in new business won - investing in over 1,400 new passenger vehicles and over 1,100 new freight locomotives and wagons, and in the refurbishment of much of its in-fleet equipment.
• In April 2000 the Porterbrook group of companies was acquired by a subsidiary of Abbey National Treasury Services plc, part of the Abbey National Group.
  

For further information about Porterbrook contact Rupert Brennan-Brown, Head of Communications on 01332 263521 (m: 07799 337052).