11.09.2026
21.09.2026
Paris, September 17, 2026
This transaction marks a new stage in the development of Rail Europe, which is joining Omio Group to strengthen its multimodal travel offering on an international scale.
Founded 90 years ago, Rail Europe is one of the world’s leading rail distribution platforms. The company connects travellers with rail operators across Europe and internationally through its B2B and B2C platforms.
Hivest Capital and Bpifrance acquired Rail Europe from the SNCF and SBB/CFF groups in 2022, as travel was beginning to recover from the disruption caused by Covid-19. In collaboration with Rail Europe’s CEO and management team, they supported the company’s transition to a fully independent business, strengthened its technology platform and service offering, and created a leaner, more efficient operating model. Today, the platform serves four million travellers annually, works with 250 rail operators and is supported by 25,000 travel sellers and operators worldwide.
The acquisition by Omio Group marks the next step in Rail Europe’s growth, bringing the organisation into a global travel group with the technology platform, multimodal inventory and digital distribution capabilities to support its next phase of growth. Rail Europe brings 90 years of rail expertise and a global network of travel sellers to Omio, significantly expanding the Group’s partner reach and strengthening its international customer base.
This transaction comes amid structural growth in rail transport worldwide. The global rail market is estimated at more than $300 billion by 2032, as European governments make significant investments in rail infrastructure to increase network capacity and encourage a shift of journeys from road and air to rail.
Cédric Lépée, Managing Partner of Hivest Capital Partners, said:
« We are pleased with the progress Rail Europe has made since our investment. Alongside Rail Europe’s management team, and Bpifrance, we supported a deep transformation of the company to strengthen its independence, its platform and its international positioning. Rail Europe now has solid fundamentals and a unique position in global rail distribution. Its combination with Omio is a natural next step to continue and accelerate this trajectory. »
About Rail Europe
For 90 years, Rail Europe has been helping make European rail travel accessible to travelers and travel professionals around the world. Its technology, customer service and rail expertise support more than 25,000 partners in over 70 countries. Rail Europe connects travelers to approximately 250 rail operators as well as major rail passes such as Eurail and the Swiss Travel Pass. Headquartered in Paris, with teams around the world, Rail Europe continues to make train travel simpler and more accessible.
About Hivest Capital Partners
Hivest Capital Partners is an independent European private equity firm, authorized by the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF). With c. €900 million under management, Hivest Capital Partners invests in ownership transition and development projects for small and mid-cap companies (SMEs and mid-caps) with revenues generally ranging from €50 million to €500 million. Its mission is to help companies reach their full potential through operational performance improvements and innovative growth strategies.
About Bpifrance
Bpifrance finances companies – at every stage of their development – through loans, guarantees and equity. Bpifrance supports them in their innovation projects and international expansion. Bpifrance also supports their export activity through a wide range of products. Advisory services, a university, networking and an acceleration program for startups, SMEs and mid-caps are also part of the offering available to entrepreneurs. Thanks to Bpifrance and its 50 regional offices, entrepreneurs benefit from a close, single and effective point of contact to help them meet their challenges.
More information at: www.bpifrance.fr – https://presse.bpifrance.fr/ – Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): @Bpifrance – @BpifrancePresse and on LinkedIn
Participants
Sellers
Investor – Hivest Capital Partners: Cédric Lépée, Axel Bonnassies
Investor – Bpifrance: Flavien Tiberghien, Manoel Assaf
Seller Advisor – NSG: Sacha Gasy
M&A Advisor to the Sellers – Cambon Partners: Morgann Lesné, Min Liu
Legal Advisor to the Sellers – Darrois Villey Maillot Brochier: Orphée Grosjean, Florian Benard, Paul le Tacon
Contacts
Hivest Capital Partners
Cédric Lépée – cedric@hivestcapital.com
Bpifrance
Pierre CEJKA – pierre.cejka@bpifrance.fr / +33 6 63 78 64 21
