The sale of the Kingston Flyer appears to be edging closer to fruition - and perhaps the announcement of the new owner - with veteran manager of the vintage railway Russell Glendinning in Wellington yesterday acquiring operating licences from the New Zealand Transport Authority.
Mr Glendinning is in the capital at the behest of an unidentified potential buyer, whom he said he could not name due to confidentiality agreements binding the sale.
George Jones, of mortgage nominees Prudential which has managed the asset for investors since former operator Kingston Acquisitions Ltd went into receivership owing Prudential $4.7 million, said he had "no comment" on the sale.
Mr Jones said speculation about a buyer for the 126-year-old railway was "wrong" but would not be drawn when asked if he was referring to reports Blenheim vineyard owner David Bryce was the mystery buyer.
Two weeks ago Mr Bryce registered with the New Zealand Companies Office as sole director and shareholder of Kingston Tavern Ltd and Kingston Flyer Ltd. He could not be contacted yesterday.
