CZ/SK verze

Czech private operator Leo Express is now half owned by Renfe

Czech private operator Leo Express is now half owned by Renfe
photo: Leo express/Czech private operator Leo Express is now half owned by Renfe
23 / 08 / 2021

Spanish national operator Renfe has completed the purchase of a 50% stake in the private passenger operator Leo Express, which operates trains in the Czech Republic and other Eastern European countries. In addition, Leo Express is licensed to carry out passenger services in Germany and acted as the operator of the FlixTrain on the Berlin-Stuttgart route.

The deal, reached in March 2021, provides for the acquisition of a stake in Leo Express by increasing the capital of the Czech operator using Renfe funds. The deal was approved by the Spanish Ministry of Finance.

Leo Express also served bus services in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, Poland, and Ukraine. Currently, due to the pandemic, the operator's activities are limited to the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Poland.

The Spanish operator is looking to expand its presence in international markets. Now it will have the opportunity to gain a foothold in Eastern Europe and enter the German market, as well as strengthen its positions for participation in high-speed traffic development projects planned in this region. Renfe expects the deal will also boost the international activity of Spanish rail companies.

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