Omio Group has announced plans to acquire Rail Europe in a move that would create one of the world’s largest rail distribution businesses and strengthen its position in the global ground transport market.
Subject to completion, Rail Europe will join Omio’s portfolio alongside its consumer booking platform, B2B distribution business and travel discovery brand Rome2Rio.
Expanding global rail distribution
The combined business would sell around 22 million train tickets annually, work with more than 28,000 transport operators and travel sellers, and operate across more than 70 countries.
Rail Europe will continue to operate under its existing brand while gaining access to Omio’s technology platform, multimodal inventory and distribution capabilities. The acquisition also gives Omio access to Rail Europe’s network of more than 25,000 travel partners and its 90 years of rail expertise.
Omio Group Chief B2B Officer Jean-Francois Bessiron said the deal would help accelerate the growth of connected rail travel globally.
Capitalising on rail growth
Rail Europe CEO and Executive Chairman Björn Bender said the companies were a natural fit, combining Omio’s technology and scale with Rail Europe’s international brand and established B2B distribution network.
The announcement comes as demand for rail travel continues to grow, with the global rail market forecast to exceed US$300 billion by 2032 as governments invest heavily in rail infrastructure and sustainable transport.
The proposed acquisition remains subject to consultation with Rail Europe’s Comité Social et Économique (CSE) before it can be finalised.
