Statement re Europorte 2

14 Feb 2006 16:40

Eurotunnel PLC/Eurotunnel S.A.14 February 2006 News Release 14 February 2006 New railway operator's licence for Europorte 2 Europorte 2, the Eurotunnel subsidiary dedicated to the development ofinternational rail freight, has obtained, from the French Minister forEquipment, Transport, Housing, Tourism and Maritime affairs (dated 13 February2006) a new European Community Railway Operator's licence. Europorte 2 was a pioneer in the liberalisation of international rail freightwhen, in February 2004, following the opening of the Trans-European Rail Freightnetwork to competition, it obtained the first licence to be granted in France. Following the changes to the management team of Eurotunnel and Europorte 2, anew strategy has been devised, based on the needs of customers, with realisticobjectives that take account of the Group's situation. Europorte 2 is currently engaged in research into synergies that exist with theincumbent railways undertakings, with the goal of increasing the very low levelsof cross Channel rail freight activity. At the same time, Europorte 2 maintainsits independence in order to pursue other opportunities, either alone or inpartnership. Chairman of Europorte 2, Jacques Gounon, said "It is clearly part of Europorte2's mission to participate in the development of European rail freight and theattribution of this new licence by the Minister for Transport demonstrates thatthis is also the intention of the French authorities. Bearing in mind theexpertise Eurotunnel has established, Europorte 2 has a vocation rapidly tobecome a vector for growth for the Group." 963/2006 For media enquiries contact John Keefe on + 44 (0) 1303 284491. Email: John.keefe@eurotunnel.com For investor enquiries contact Xavier Clement on + 33 1 55 27 36 27. Email:xavier.clement@eurotunnel.com www.eurotunnel.com Eurotunnel manages the infrastructure of the Channel Tunnel and operatesaccompanied truck shuttle and passenger shuttle (car and coach) services betweenFolkestone, UK and Calais, France. Eurotunnel also earns toll revenue fromtrain operators (Eurostar for rail passengers, and EWS and SNCF for railfreight) which use the Tunnel. Eurotunnel is quoted in London, Paris andBrussels. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange