Two of the biggest names in European rail booking are set to come together, with Omio Group entering an agreement to acquire Rail Europe in a deal that would create a major new force in global ground transport distribution.
The proposed acquisition would bring Rail Europe into the Omio Group alongside its consumer booking platform Omio, B2B distribution business and travel discovery brand Rome2Rio.
Combined, the group says it would sell more than 22 million rail tickets annually, operate across more than 70 countries and work with more than 28,000 transport operators, travel sellers and partners worldwide.
Rail Europe brand to remain
Rail Europe would continue operating under its existing brand and serving both travellers and B2B partners.
Under the proposed arrangement, it would gain access to Omio Group’s technology, multimodal inventory and platform capabilities, while Omio would expand its reach through Rail Europe’s network of 25,000 travel sellers and partners.
Rail Europe also brings more than 90 years of rail industry experience and connections to around 250 rail providers, including SNCF, Eurostar, Trenitalia, Deutsche Bahn, Renfe, SBB and ÖBB.
Omio Group Chief B2B Officer Jean-Francois Bessiron said the deal would help address long-standing fragmentation across the rail sector.
“This deal marks a transformative moment for the future of global ground transport,” he said.
“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“The sector has been constrained by outdated systems and controlled by dominant players for far too long.”
A bigger play for the rail market
The acquisition comes as rail investment and demand continue to grow, particularly across Europe, where governments are committing significant funding to infrastructure and encouraging more travellers to shift from road and air to train travel.
Omio said the global rail market was projected to exceed US$300 billion by 2032.
The deal would also strengthen the group’s position with travel advisors and other distribution partners, giving Omio access to Rail Europe’s established B2B network across more than 70 countries.
Rail Europe CEO and Executive Chairman Björn Bender said the two companies were a “natural fit”.
“Omio brings significant scale and transformative technology,” he said.
“Rail Europe adds considerable rail experience, a trusted international consumer brand, and the strongest B2B distribution network.
“Together, we would offer more to our travellers, partners and the rail industry than either company could achieve on its own.”
Deal still subject to consultation
The acquisition has not yet been completed.
It remains subject to a consultation process with Rail Europe’s Comité Social et Économique, which will provide an advisory opinion on the proposed transaction.
The deal cannot be finalised until that process has concluded.
Following completion, Omio Group would employ around 680 people across offices including Berlin, Paris, Singapore, Prague, Mumbai, Shanghai, Melbourne and Bangalore.
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