In April 2024, Dutch Railways NS decided to sell its subsidiary Abellio Germany to BeNEX from Germany because the company’s overall financial impact was negative. Now, there is the final transfer.
After completing the check with the competition law and agreeing with all authorities, ATH Rail Transport Beteiligungsgesellschaft Deutschland now belongs to BeNEX, specialised in regional rail transport. The transaction includes the rail transport companies Abellio Rail Mitteldeutschland in Halle (Saale), Westfalenbahn in Bielefeld, and the service company PTS in Neuss. BeNEX acquired 100% of the shares in Abellio Deutschland from Nederlandse Spoorwegen, effective 15.10.2024.
With the acquisition of Abellio Deutschland, BeNEX becomes one of the largest providers of local rail passenger transport in Germany. In contrast, the transfer means the end of NS’s foreign activitities, a process that began with the sale of Abellio UK last year.
About BeNEX
BeNEX is one of the leading rail transport investment companies. Following the acquisition, BeNEX will provide a transport service of 65 million train-kilometres annually throughout Germany from 2025. Its portfolio grows to seven regional railway companies in which it holds stakes:
- Agilis (49%)
- Cantus (50%)
- Nordbahn (50%)
- Metronom (25,1%)
- ODEG (50%)
- Abellio Rail Mitteldeutschland
- Westfalenbahn
They have an academy in Regensburg for train drivers, provide train drivers to other operators, and own bus companies.
About Abellio Germany
Abellio Germany provides service-oriented local rail transport services in Germany. The railway companies Abellio Rail Mitteldeutschland and WestfalenBahn operate connections around Rheine in North Rhine-Westphalia as well as multiple regional services around Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia. PTS also guarantees cleanliness and safety.
More than 1,600 employees ensure comfortable, reliable, and safe mobility for passengers on 28 lines in eight federal states. With 66 trains, Abellio Germany will provide an annual service volume of 16 million train-kilometres from 2025.
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