Negotiations successfully completed: FlixBus buys Eurolines, isilines from Transdev Group

Eurolines FlixBus Featured Image

Summary

++ Transdev Group has completed the sale of its long-distance coach service to FlixBus on April 30, 2019

++ FlixBus to grow the world’s largest bus network – green and smart mobility for everyone

International mobility providers FlixBus and Transdev Group have come to an agreement in their exclusive negotiations about FlixBus buying the Eurolines and isilines long-distance coach services. The negotiations about the sale, which began on March 4, were finalized April 30, 2019. The Eurolines/isilines brands and businesses now officially belong to FlixBus.

This includes the Eurolines operating businesses in France, The Netherlands, Belgium, Czech Republic and Spain, with a bus network spanning more than 25 countries. Eurolines also operates under the isilines brand domestically in France. In the markets with Eurolines businesses, the respective FlixBus managing directors will oversee the respective companies.

Transdev Group retains its B2B bus rental activities in France, which will be operated under the Transdev brand (formerly isilines).

Expanding FlixBus’ European reach

As of today, and during the coming months, FlixBus and Eurolines employees will begin working together in order to integrate their organizations and networks.

Jochen Engert, founder and CEO of FlixBus: “We want to offer green and affordable mobility to travelers all over the world. The Eurolines and isilines long-distance route networks enable us to expand our European reach even further. After assessing the businesses, we will see to do what we have always been doing best: having the best offer for the customer, in network and in service.”

Thierry Mallet, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Transdev Group: "Our teams were able to quickly and efficiently conduct negotiations with FlixBus to sell Transdev Group's long-distance coach business. This sale is part of Transdev's new strategic plan 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" Harmonizing the networks in order to prepare the business for years to come

Since entering the German market in 2013 and the French market two years later, FlixBus has proven that it is possible to significantly increase quality and be profitable in this highly competitive industry. Engert: “By harmonizing the networks we have one strong combined offering instead of parallel services. The integration of the Eurolines business strengthens our European network and complements our further growth in key European markets.”

Boilerplate

About FlixBus

FlixMobility is a young mobility provider and offers a new alternative for comfortable, inexpensive and environmentally friendly travel under the FlixBus and FlixTrain brands. Thanks to a unique business model and innovative technology, the startup established Europe's largest long-distance bus network within a very short time and integrated the first green long-distance trains in 2018. Since its launch in 2013, FlixMobility has changed the way millions of people travel around Europe and created thousands of new jobs in the industry.

From locations in Europe the FlixMobility team takes over technology development, network planning, operational control, marketing & sales and takes care of quality management and the continuous further development of the product. Bus partners from the regional medium-sized companies are responsible for daily scheduled operations and the green FlixBus fleet. In cooperation with private train operators, the mobility provider has also been on the railways with FlixTrain since 2018. Innovation, entrepreneurial spirit and a strong international brand meet the experience and quality of tradition. The unique combination of technology start-up, e-commerce platform and classic transport company was able to assert itself against large international groups and has permanently changed the European mobility landscape. More company news and pictures can be found in the newsroom.

About Transdev

As an operator and global integrator of mobility, Transdev – The mobility company – gives people the freedom to move whenever and however they choose. We are proud to provide 11 million passenger trips everyday thanks to efficient, easy to use and environmentally-friendly transportation services that connect people and communities. Our approach is rooted in long-term partnerships with businesses and public authorities, and in the relentless pursuit of the safest and most innovative mobility solutions. We are a team of people serving people, and mobility is what we do. Transdev is jointly held by Caisse des Dépôts Group (66%) and the RETHMANN Group (34%). In 2018, with 82,000 employees in 20 countries, the Group generated total revenues of 6.9 billion euros. For more information: www.transdev.com.