Cosmen family ups interest in Nat Express
JORGE COSMEN’S family, the largest shareholder in National Express which has been at loggerheads with the transport company over its financing and future, upped its stake in the bus and rail group yesterday.
The Cosmens rose their stake to 19.46 per cent, up from 18.97 per cent, ahead of a vital vote on National Express’ £360m rights issue.
The Cosmens have resisted the rights issue, saying they don’t agree with its terms, and would rather a tie-up with rivals such as Stagecoach than the cash call. The vote will take place on Friday.
The family has said it has the support of 14 per cent of the other investors, and bought up an extra 750,000 extra shares at 359.96p yesterday. Analysts say the Cosmen family is trying to build a blocking stake ahead of the vote. National Express needs to win a simple majority to approve the cash raising.