Paris (TAN): Germany-based transport company FlixBus is in talks to acquire international coach service Eurolines from French public transport operator Transdev Group.
FlixBus operates low-cost intercity bus service across Europe, with a network spanning over 29 countries.
“This acquisition would strengthen our position as market leader in France and allows us to expand our European reach even further by integrating the Eurolines and isilines long-distance route networks,” said founder and CEO of FlixBus, Jochen Engert.
“With this integration, FlixBus would have an even more complete and diverse offer to entice even more passengers. We aim to be the number one choice for travelers across Europe,” Engert added.
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Transdev Group provides bus, rail, light rail and ferry services. Its Eurolines service, with a network spread over 25 countries, also operates under the isilines brand in France.
“The decision to enter exclusive negotiations with FlixBus regarding the potential divestment from Eurolines is in line with Transdev’s strategic plan. It would enable us to focus our resources on the core of our business, public transit and B2B transportation services by combining performance at best cost, technological and digital innovation, specifically to improve the customer experience,” said Thierry Mallet, CEO of Transdev Group.
Engert said: “We have a lot of respect for what Transdev has built up over the last 20 years with Eurolines. With the innovative mindset that FlixBus brings to the table, we will be ready for the next 20 years. By merging our services, we would be able to offer people all over Europe more complete and convenient travel options.”
FlixBus has turned into a leading bus service provider in Europe, since entering Germany in 2013 and France in 2015.
Last year alone, it transported 45 million passengers, including in the United States. Also, FlixBus’ daily connections and passengers went up by over 40 per cent in France and worldwide in 2018.
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FlixBus has plans to expand across the United States and enter the Russian market this year.
“While there are big plans for expansions to new markets, we will still expand in our current core markets. The Eurolines acquisition would strengthen our European network and complement organic growth in key European markets,” Engert signed off.
