National Express gets new approach

National Express trains wait at the platform at King's Cross station in London July 1, 2009.

(Corrects headline to approach, not offer)

LONDON (Reuters) - Bus and train operator National Express Group (NEX.L) said on Wednesday it was approached from an unnamed suitor after rival FirstGroup (FGP.L) ruled out a formal takeover offer for the company.

National Express said the approach was made after it revealed First Group's interest on June 29.

"The group subsequently received an approach in connection with a possible offer for the group from another third party whose intentions are not yet known," it said in a statement.

"There can be no certainty that this approach will lead to an offer being made for National Express or as to the terms on which any offer might be made."

It said a further announcement would be made when appropriate.

Analysts have said Stagecoach Group (SGC.L) is the most likely of the other UK transport operators to have an interest in National Express. Stagecoach declined to comment.

The Guardian newspaper said the unnamed bidder was understood to be a European private equity company.

Earlier, FirstGroup said it ruled out a formal takeover for National Express due to the uncertainties surrounding the latter's troubled UK rail division.

FirstGroup said it was given a 'put up or shut up' ruling from the Takeover Panel following its informal approach for National Express in June, which National swiftly rejected.

National Express subsequently said it planned to pull out of running its loss-making East Coast UK rail franchise later this year.

That statement prompted the government to announce it would take the London-Edinburgh route back into state ownership and attempt to banish National Express from Britain's railways completely.

"FirstGroup has considered its position in light of these uncertainties and now believes it would be inappropriate to consider a formal offer at this time," the firm said in a statement.

FirstGroup and National Express both also operate bus companies in the UK and North America.

(Reporting by John Bowker and Tim Castle; editing by Andre Grenon)