Dufry, global leader in Travel Retail, and Autogrill, global leader in Travel Food & Beverage (F&B), are combining to create a new, integrated global Travel Experience player The combined entity will address 2.3 billion passengers in more than 75 countries in around 5,500 outlets across around 1,200 airport and other locations, with CHF 13.6 billion revenue (2019 pro-forma) and CHF 1.4 billion EBITDA.

The enlarged Group redefines the boundaries of the industry and will focus on enriching the passenger journey based on experience and innovation.

Dufry significantly strengthens its presence in the highly attractive and resilient US market, while adding opportunities in other key geographies including APAC, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa The combination brings together two groups of highly experienced and strongly engaged professionals with complementary skill sets, led by Xavier Rossinyol as CEO of the combined Group.

Xavier Rossinyol, CEO of Dufry, commented: “I am very happy to lead this transformative combination, which I am sure will reinforce the new Group strategy and will create sustainable long-term value for our customers and shareholders.

We are transforming our industry and redefining its boundaries, and we will create a new corporate identity to reflect this fundamental move. By executing on this unique opportunity, we will accelerate growth by fully focusing on consumers and the digital revolution, by offering additional value to landlords and airport partners with an expanded service portfolio, while further diversifying the Group and increasing our resilience.

With a culture of prioritizing serving customers while relentlessly driving operational efficiencies and actively managing our portfolio of concessions, we will be able to drive growth and innovation as well as profitability.

We remain committed to our ESG principles and contributing to the communities and environments we work in.

I am impressed by the know-how, skills and – above all – the passion of the teams, both at Dufry and Autogrill. I am sure that together we will build the next generation of travel experience.

I want to express my admiration for what Gianmario Tondato da Ruos has achieved over the last two decades at Autogrill and his passion for the business. I thank him for continuing to support the company and me going forward.

I thank Edizione and its Chairman Alessandro Benetton for their trust, full alignment on the strategy and long-term commitment to the new combined company, with great vision and precise execution.”

Gianmario Tondato da Ruos, CEO Autogrill, added: “A new cycle opens that will allow us to unleash a whole array of options centered around the needs of travelers worldwide. The business combination will enable a flurry of innovations in its offerings, which will translate into more enjoyable travel experiences across various geographies and channels. It represents an outstanding value creation opportunity for our stakeholders.”

Combined group in figures dufry

The combined Group will be able to serve over 2.3 billion passengers across all continents in around 5,500 outlets at around 1,200 airports and other locations generating CHF 13.6 billion in revenues (2019 pro-forma) and CHF 1.4 billion of EBITDA (2019 pro-forma, pre-IFRS 16). The Group’s global footprint and presence in more than 75 countries will provide an exceptional experience and knowledge within the industry and enable strong, mutual value-creating relationships with landlords, airport partners and suppliers. The Group will employ around 60,000 people from over 150 nationalities globally, united as one team.