The most anticipated acquisition of the year between EPH and Slovenian Railways is here. EPH becomes one of the largest providers of railway logistics services in Central Europe

EPH Holding and Slovenian State Railways have agreed to form a joint venture. The energy and industrial holding of Czech billionaire Daniel Křetínský have thus confirmed its expected expansion in the rail freight sector. The agreement was signed between the freight division of Slovenian state company Slovenske železnice (SŽ) and the EPH holding's subsidiary, EP Logistics International (EPLI). The Czech company owns 49 percent of the joint venture.

"This step launches a joint venture in logistics and freight transport that will be one of the largest in the region. EPLI has invested an agreed amount of money in the venture, which will be used for necessary investments and expansion in the region," said EPH spokesman Daniel Častvaj.

International media estimate the amount of the transaction at up to EUR 100 million. The parties did not provide additional information on the contractual terms. The EPH holding together with its subsidiaries has become one of the largest providers of rail logistics services in Central Europe. EPH does not want to comment on future developments and planned investments.

Since 2017, Slovenske železnice (SŽ) has been trying to find a suitable strategic partner for its freight division with the aim of creating a new logistics company with a focus on Central and South-Eastern Europe. EP Logistics International has thus expanded its already rich mix of companies. The EPH holding brings together over seventy companies from the logistics, mining and coal trading, energy, and infrastructure sectors.

Slovenia expands the list of countries where the holding company operates. In Europe, the holding includes companies from Slovakia, Germany, Italy, Great Britain, Ireland, France, Poland, and Switzerland. In the Czech Republic, the holding includes, for example, the rail freight carrier EP Cargo.