Ecebs Announce Acquisition by Trainline Investments Holdings Limited

The directors of AST plc and it’s wholly owned subsidiary, Ecebs Limited, are delighted to announce that the recent cash offer to acquire the company has been successfully concluded.

David Braddock, Managing Director, Ecebs Limited, and Chief Executive of AST said: “We are delighted that a company of the stature of Trainline Investments Holdings Limited has purchased AST and we look forward to joining their family and being associated with their brand name, thetrainline.com.”

He continued “The development of Ecebs and it’s core Multefile™ technology will continue and its use in transport smartcard ticketing will be matched by development in other application areas.”

Trainline CEO Alan Tomlin said: "One of the ways that Trainline provides benefits to rail industry stakeholders is in developing and implementing new methods of rail retailing and information services, designed to reduce rail industry costs over time and enhance customer service and experience. “

"The ability to be able to purchase a rail ticket or have a rail ticket fulfilled to a smartcard or smart enabled mobile device in a secure manner is one such important development. “

"The acquisition of AST plc and its experienced management team meets Trainline's strategic plans and objectives in this area in the shortest timeframe."

More information can be found at www.astplc.com