FirstGroup PLC said the partnership with Trenitalia UK Ltd. will strengthen their bid for the franchises which are due to be awarded in 2018. Trenitalia has also recently agreed in principle to acquire the c2c franchise from National Express. Two joint venture agreements have been made, forming First Trenitalia East Midlands Rail Ltd. and First Trenitalia West Coast Rail Ltd. FirstGroup's rail subsidiary holds 70% of the equity in both joint ventures.