KPMG Fakhro, a leading provider of audit, tax and advisory services in Bahrain, along with its partner Trowers & Hamlins has signed a concession agreement with the Bahrain Ministry of Transportation, and a joint venture comprising National Express and Ahmed Mansoor Al A'Ali to develop the public bus network in the kingdom.

The consortium of KPMG Fakhro, Trowers & Hamlins, and Hyder Consulting advised the ministry on its bid process, selection of preferred bidder and the finalisation of the project documentation with the new joint venture operator, said the company in a statement.

Ministry of Transportation Undersecretary for Land Transportation and Post, Mariam Ahmed Jumaan, said: "We are very proud of this landmark achievement in the Kingdom’s land transportation sector, and are confident that when the new system is fully operational, residents and citizens alike will experience a real shift in the level of public bus services."

"The new buses will be equipped with facilities and amenities that will make them more convenient to riders, and the expanded network will ensure that riders have increased mobility for their business and daily needs," stated Ahmed Jumaan.

“We have been working with this consortium of KPMG Fakhro and Trowers & Hamlins for around one year and the expertise and advice provided throughout the process has been invaluable,” she added.

Narayanan Ramachandran, KPMG partner and head of advisory for Bahrain and Qatar, said: "We are proud to have been given the privilege to be involved in such a prestigious project that will have a significant impact on Bahrain’s communities."
 
"Working closely with the Ministry of Transportation, we have been through a thorough and detailed selection process to ensure that they have the best Operator to deliver the service," he added.

Abdul-Haq Mohammed, the partner at Trowers & Hamlins, said: "This is a major deal and signals Bahrain's intent for bringing best practice to its public transport network.  We are very pleased to have helped to bring this project to a successful conclusion."

KPMG Fakhro advised on the commercial and financial aspects of the transaction. Trowers & Hamlins acted as legal counsel on the deal, while technical support was provided by Hyder Consulting and Ian Barlex from Chadwell Associates Limited, UK.-TradeArabia News Service