Ferry firms in joint bid for SeaFrance's assets

Two ferry firms have joined forces in a bid to take over part of SeaFrance which operates ferry services between Dover and Calais.

SeaFrance employs 1,650 staff on both sides of the channel and went into receivership last year.

DFDS and LD Lines have made a joint bid for "the majority" of the operator's assets. Details of the offer have not been revealed.

SeaFrance has not commented on the possible buyout.

The firm carried 2.9m passengers last year.

Soren Brondholt Nielsen, director of DFDS, said: "It is realistic to have a profitable future. We have documented that as part of our bid and that bid covers the majority of SeaFrance's assets and staff.

"In many respects there will be no changes to the services. In that way we will be keeping jobs in SeaFrance."