Transport group Nation-al Express has said it is set for further growth as it outlined plans to seek more acquisition opportunities.

The strategy was unveiled after the completion of a review by new chief executive Richard Bowker, the former head of the Strategic Rail Authority, who joined the group in September.

The review highlighted the company's strong business portfolio and pointed towards future growth through acquisitions both in the UK and overseas. The company said it was actively seeking acquisition opp-ortunities and had a number under consideration.

The review reiterated the group's commitment to rail services, which currently include Midland Mainline and Central Trains. The company said it had made good progress on its franchises in the new year with the submission of its bid for the East Midlands rail franchise. It said that it will be putting forward its bid for the New Cross Country franchise within the next week and had also pre-qualified for the Inter City East Coast franchise.

The group posted a 17 per cent rise in pre-tax profits.