Arriva Takes Market Leading Position in Central and Eastern Europe
2013-05-24
European passenger transport group Arriva has taken lead position as the largest international passenger transport operator in Central and Eastern Europe by acquiring Veolia Transport Central Europe (VTCE).
Arriva is responsible for Deutsche Bahn"s regional passenger transport services outside Germany and is focused on achieving organic, acquisitive and contractual growth in passenger transport markets across Europe. The cost of the acquisition has not been disclosed. VTCE annual revenues for 2012 were €253 million.
VTCE employs more than 6,300 people and operates some 3,400 vehicles from some 60 depots across six countries. Its core business is providing bus services to local authorities responsible for city and regional transportation. VTCE delivers other complementary passenger transport services including inter-regional lines, long distance and international lines, school, charter and personnel services, and a regional train service in the Czech Republic.
The acquisition complements and expands Arriva"s activities in existing markets in Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia, and sees the business enter new markets in Croatia, Serbia and Slovenia.
It further expands Arriva"s growing portfolio of passenger transport holdings and contracts across the UK and mainland Europe, bringing the total number of countries in which Arriva has a presence to 15, with a workforce of more than 55,000 people.
