Omio Group has entered into an agreement to acquire rail distribution platform Rail Europe.
Omio provides a multimodal platform for searching and booking trains, buses, ferries and flights.
The proposed deal would bring Rail Europe into Omio as part of its B2C booking platform, its B2B distribution business and its travel discovery brand Rome2Rio. Bringing Rail Europe into the fold means Omio would sell 22 million train tickets annually and work with more than 28,000 transport operators and travel sellers.
The acquisition would give Omio access to Rail Europe's network of travel advisors and operators across more than 70 countries. Rail Europe would continue operating under its brand.
"This deal marks a transformative moment for the future of global ground transport," said Omio chief B2B officer Jean-Francois Bessiron. "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 The sector has been constrained by outdated systems and controlled by dominant players for far too long."
Rail Europe CEO and executive chairman Bjorn Bender said the past few years have been transformational for the company as it has grown and expanded its reach. The acquisition would allow Rail Europe to scale its offerings.
"For the next chapter, Omio and Rail Europe are a natural fit," he said. "Omio brings significant scale and transformative technology. Rail Europe adds considerable rail experience, a trusted international consumer brand and the strongest B2B distribution network. Together, we would offer more to our travelers, partners and the rail industry than either company could achieve on its own."
The acquisition is pending ahead of a consultation process with the Social and Economic Committee in France.