NS sells its subsidiary Abellio Germany to the German rail company BeNEX.
The Hamburg mobility service provider BeNEX, specialized in regional rail transport, has taken an important step to strengthen its position on the German market. The company has acquired the shares of the NS, which has ended its last foreign activities, in Abellio in Germany. This acquisition includes the rail transport companies Abellio Rail Mitteldeutschland GmbH, based in Halle (Saale), and WestfalenBahn GmbH, based in Bielefeld, as well as the service company PTS GmbH in Neuss.
This strategic expansion brings the number of BeNEX employees to more than 3.500 and increases the annual traffic performance to approximately 65 million train kilometers. This makes BeNEX one of the largest providers of regional rail transport in Germany. “We view the acquisition of Abellio as a great opportunity and responsibility for the sustainable development of regional train transport in Germany,” said Johann von Georg, director of BeNEX.
This transaction is part of BeNEX's long-term strategy to further develop the offering of environmentally friendly mobility, increase the number of passengers and thus support a sustainable transport policy. “With Abellio Rail Mitteldeutschland and WestfalenBahn, our portfolio of participations is growing to seven regional train companies. With the expanded business group, we can better meet the various challenges in the current market conditions and create synergies for further profitable growth,” added Michael von Mallinckrodt, Co-Managing Director of BeNEX.
Rolf Schafferath, chairman of Abellio's business operations in Germany, welcomes BeNEX as a shareholder that wants to play a decisive role in the traffic turnaround in Germany. “For our employees, our passengers and our clients, the entry of BeNEX means long-term planning security and a new growth perspective,” said Schafferath.
Closing of the transaction is expected in the second half of 2024, subject to competition law approvals. This acquisition not only expands BeNEX's activities, but also strengthens the company's commitment to sustainability and innovation in public transport. Abellio Germany currently operates 3 rail concessions in 8 federal states. Abellio also owns cleaning and security company PTS in Germany. In 2023, Abellio had a turnover of more than 400 million euros and more than 1600 employees. The head office of Abellio Germany is located in Berlin.
About the purchase price confidentiality agreed to meet.
