Deutsche Bahn has completed the sale of Arriva Group to I Squared Capital, in a significant moment in Arriva’s history.
The acquisition by I Squared, a global infrastructure manager, encompasses all of Arriva’s businesses across 11 countries, and promises significant long-term capital investment to support growth and decarbonisation.
Arriva employs over 34,000 people, delivering over 1.6 billion passenger journeys on trains, trams, coaches and buses. Arriva’s activities are divided into four business units – UK Trains, UK Bus, The Netherlands and Mainland Europe.
Mike Cooper, Arriva Group CEO, said: “Closing this transaction marks an important milestone and an exciting new chapter for Arriva.”
“It is an opportunity for Arriva to recommit to working alongside passenger transport authorities to deliver essential transport links and build a more sustainable future for our colleagues, customers and the communities we serve.”
“With the backing of I Squared, an independent and highly reputable infrastructure investor, I am confident that we will deliver on that commitment for the benefit of the millions that Arriva serves”.
I Squared develops infrastructure projects using global insights and deep local intelligence to invest in sustainability and essential passenger services.
Mohamed El Gazzar, Senior Partner at I Squared, said: “Passenger transport plays a vital role in society, connecting communities and facilitating economic growth, while reducing carbon emissions and congestion. Arriva plans to be at the heart of this agenda, working alongside its transport authorities and clients.
“Arriva’s ambition for the decarbonisation of its fleets also aligns with I Squared’s strategy to develop and scale assets with technologies that accelerate the energy transition.”
The acquisition of Arriva by I Squared was first announced in October 2023, while it was officially concluded this week.
Image credit: iStock
