Distributor of European rail products, Rail Europe, is officially the sole owner of Australasia’s international rail specialist, Rail Plus – 18 years after partially purchasing the company.
Rail Europe bought 50 percent of Rail Plus in 1998 and has since worked alongside co-owner and New Zealand-based Chairman, Keryn Smith, to build its reputation in the region.
On 1 January, Rail Europe decided to step up its presence around Australasia by buying the remaining 50 percent from Smith.
The rail distributor’s CEO, Fabrice Morel, said full acquisition was the next logical step in the company’s plans to strengthen its presence in Australasia.
“This decision is the next logical step in Rail Europe’s strategy to further progress the consolidation of Rail Europe Inc. (North America) and Rail Europe 4A (rest of the world) into a single entity.”
Fabrice Morel, Rail Europe CEO
What’s Rail Europe going to do with Rail Plus not that it fully owns the company?
Well for now it’s business as usual, however, a key focus for the company will be enhancing its industry-leading distribution tools while strengthening its relations with travel agents.
They’ll also harness the brand recognition of Rail Plus by building on its local expertise in Australasia, its long-established trade relationships and its unique product offerings.
“For the Rail Plus team, led by Chief Executive James Dunne, and all of the company’s valued trade partners in Australia and New Zealand it is, however, very much business as usual.”
Fabrice Morel, Rail Europe CEO