TheTrainline and QJump to merge

TheTrainline and Qjump Limited have announced that they plan to merge, creating the UK’s largest rail ticket retailer. The combined business will take the name of TheTrainline, although the Qjump brand will be retained in the short term. Estimated annual sales for the company are £300 million, which is 10% of rail tickets sold in the UK. Both companies hope to make combined savings of £8 million through the merger and hope it will push them into profitability. TheTrainline chief executive, Alan Tomlin said: “The merger is expected to lead TheTrainline into profit for the first time in its short history, providing it with the financial security to expand its business. Through the combined business we will be able to further enhance our customer proposition and develop rail retailing, including the development into new digital platforms in 2004.” The Trainline is owned by the Virgin Group (86%) and National Express Group plc (14%). The company provides access to timetables, fares, reservations and tickets through its website and call centre for a number of train operators including GNER, Virgin Trains, First Great Western, Midland Mainline, Greater Anglia, ScotRail and Central Trains. Report by Ginny McGrath