Deutsche Bahn Push for U.K. Rail Supremacy Upset by Failed Bids

Deutsche Bahn AG’s plan to become a major player in the U.K. rail market is under threat after the German state train company failed to make the shortlist to run Britain’s premier long-distance line and a key commuter network.

Deutsche Bahn fell at the first hurdle in a bid to provide express trains from London to Scotland, with the four companies selected including French state railway SNCF, its main European rival. Dutch operator NV Nederlandse Spoorwegen was shortlisted for the same franchise and a second to run trains to Liverpool Street Station in the U.K. capital’s financial district.