10.07.02

Porterbrook Leasing, a part of Abbey National Treasury Services, has appointed Alex White to be its new Operations Director.

Mr White, who joins Porterbrook from ScotRail where he was Head of Engineering, will lead both the Project Group and new Vehicle acquisition team as Porterbrook consolidates its position as the UK and Europe's leading rail leasing company.

Paul Francis, Managing Director of Porterbrook commented

"Alex has over 20 years of engineering experience gained within the operating railway environment. His experience in ensuring that the ScotRail fleet was available for use 24/7 and in all weathers will be invaluable in ensuring that Porterbrook continues to meet the very exacting fleet performance standards demanded by our customers."

"Alex's appointment will build upon Porterbrook's reputation for providing innovative and cost effective financing solutions that enable our UK and European railway industry customers to meet the transport needs of their own customers - whether passenger or Freight"

Alex White, Operations Director, Porterbrook, said

"As Head of Engineering at ScotRail I was a customer of Porterbrook. I have been impressed by the company's partnership approach towards the provision and maintenance of rolling stock. With an operators background I hope to be able to further refine this approach so that Porterbrook continues to be the leading provider of fleet and one off leasing solutions."

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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).