16 Dec 2002

Interservefm Ltd's joint venture with DynCorp International LLC, Landmarc Support Services Limited, has been named by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) as preferred bidder on the £600m facilities management contract for the Army Training Estate (ATE).

The ATE provides the land and facilities used by the army for its military training. This Strategic Partnering Project involves the management of all non military support services at 120 locations throughout the UK for up to 15 years.

Interserve and DynCorp are equal partners in the joint venture. Each will bring its own expertise: Interserve in managing, maintaining and developing the estate; and DynCorp in range operations and associated technology. Around 2,000 people will be employed on the contract, which is expected to be finalised in the first quarter of 2003 with operations beginning in the second quarter.

Adrian Ringrose, Managing Director of Interservefm and due to become Deputy Chief Executive of Interserve Plc in January 2003, welcomed the news: "By any standards this is a highly significant contract. The bid process has been extremely thorough and the announcement is testimony to the proven skills of both Interserve and DynCorp in our respective fields. Interserve is already working closely with the MoD in many support areas and we're looking forward to building on those relationships in a strong and mutually beneficial partnership."