"A natural fit": Omio Group to acquire Rail Europe

Omio Group has signed an agreement to acquire rail booking platform Rail Europe, a move that would significantly expand its global rail distribution network.

If completed, the acquisition would integrate Rail Europe into Omio's consumer booking platform, B2B distribution business and travel discovery brand, Rome2Rio.

The combined business would sell approximately 22 million train tickets annually while connecting with more than 28,000 transport operators and travel sellers.

The deal would also strengthen Omio's presence in the travel trade by adding Rail Europe's network of travel advisors and operator partners in more than 70 countries.

Rail Europe, meanwhile, will continue to operate under its existing brand.

“This deal marks a transformative moment for the future of global ground transport,” said Omio Group Chief B2B Officer Jean-Francois Bessiron in a press release.

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 The sector has been constrained by outdated systems and controlled by dominant players for far too long.”

In a statement, Rail Europe CEO Björn Bender added that 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,” Bender stated. “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.”

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.

The deal comes at a pivotal time for the rail sector and could position the combined company as a major force in rail distribution.

The global rail market is expected to surpass €261 billion (US$300 billion) by 2032 as European governments invest hundreds of billions of euros in rail infrastructure to expand capacity and encourage travellers to shift from road and air transport.

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