Omio Group agrees ‘transformative’ deal to acquire Rail Europe

Transport ticketing specialist Omio Group has entered into an agreement to acquire rail distribution platform Rail Europe.

 

Upon completion of the deal, Rail Europe will become part of Omio Group, joining Omio’s B2C booking platform, its B2B distribution business, and its travel discovery brand, Rome2Rio.

 

The Omio Group aggregates schedules and tickets for trains, buses, flights and ferries.

 

With the addition of Rail Europe, Omio Group (OG) would sell 22 million train tickets per year and work with more than 28,000 transport operators and travel sellers.

 

The group said it will offer the “world’s most comprehensive ground transportation proposition” after the acquisition.

 

Rail Europe would continue operating under its established brand, serving both B2B partners and travellers, while benefiting from Omio Group’s technology stack, platform capabilities, and multimodal inventory.

 

The proposed acquisition gives Omio access to Rail Europe’s global network of travel agents and operators across more than 70 countries, along with more than 90 years of rail expertise and its international consumer brand.

 

It would create a “new industry leader in rail distribution at a pivotal moment for rail travel”, added the group.

 

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The global rail market is projected to exceed $300 billion by 2032, as governments across Europe commit hundreds of billions of euros to rail infrastructure projects to increase capacity and shift more journeys away from road and air travel.

 

Jean-Francois Bessiron, chief B2B officer at Omio Group, said: “This deal marks a transformative moment for the future of global ground transport.

 

“Omio and Rail Europe would give the industry a player with the technology and scale to make connected, accessible, and affordable train travel a reality for all.

 

“The sector has been constrained by outdated systems and controlled by dominant players for far too long.”

 

Björn Bender, chief executive and executive chairman of Rail Europe, added: “The past few years have been transformational for Rail Europe. With our teams and partners, we built an independent business and a unique position in the global rail industry.

 

“For the next chapter, Omio and Rail Europe are a natural fit.

 

“Omio brings significant scale and transformative technology. Rail Europe adds considerable rail experience, a trusted international consumer brand, and the strongest B2B distribution network. Together, we would offer more to our travellers, partners and the rail industry than either company could achieve on its own.”

 

The proposed acquisition is subject to a consultation process with the CSE (Comité Social et Économique), which will issue an advisory opinion on the transaction.

 

The transaction will not be completed until this process has concluded.