Carillion, Eiffage and Kier in HS2 race

Carillion chief executive, Richard Howson, said: "We are delighted to announce the formation of this new joint venture that brings together three companies with world-class skills and resources, and an absolute focus on safety and quality, which will be required for the successful delivery of the High Speed 2 programme. We look forward to working together to support the delivery of HS2, which is a vital addition to the UK rail network."

Eiffage chairman and CEO, Pierre Berger, said: "Eiffage is looking forward to working with our UK partners, Carillion and Kier, bringing the latest design and construction expertise from continental Europe to support the successful delivery of this new High Speed Rail route that will stimulate growth in the UK economy in the way similar schemes are in Europe."

Haydn Mursell, chief executive, Kier says: "It is excellent to be able to bring together the combined talents and expertise of three major infrastructure partners, to provide a highly experienced delivery solution for HS2. The government has signalled its ongoing commitment to the project, in the recent Queen's Speech and with today's revisions to the HS2 hybrid Bill, so the formation of this joint venture is well timed to respond to the progression of what will be the country's largest infrastructure project to date."