Groupe Eurotunnel has announced it is looking for partners to buy the UK’s High Speed One rail line.

The rail line has been put up for sale as part of the government’s plan to raise £16bn through asset sales.

The company is in talks with possible financial partners for a bid to operate the rail line under a long-term concession. The deal has been estimated to cost £1.5–2bn by the company.

The 68-mile 186mph rail line, between London’s St Pancras station and the Channel Tunnel, is operated by London & Continental Railways.