EQT and Kühne Holding Invest in Flix, the Global Travel Leader
Global travel leader Flix, renowned for its sustainable and affordable travel solutions, has secured a significant investment from two prominent players: EQT and Kühne Holding. This strategic partnership aims to accelerate Flix’s growth trajectory across existing and new markets worldwide.
Investment Stake
EQT Future and Kühne Holding have acquired a substantial 35% stake in Flix. This investment signifies a long-term strategic partnership focused on Flix’s profitable expansion across existing and new markets.
“We are delighted to welcome EQT Future and Kühne Holding as strong and purpose-driven investors with proven track records of building upon sustainable long-term investment strategies. Their capital and know-how will be a strong asset to our company’s overall strategic vision. We couldn’t ask for better partners to embark on the next chapter of Flix’s journey”, commented André Schwämmlein, CEO and Co-Founder of Flix.
Benefits for Flix
Strengthened Balance Sheet {H3}
The investment strengthens Flix’s balance sheet, enabling further growth initiatives. This financial boost will empower Flix to solidify its position in the global travel landscape.
Expertise and Capital
EQT and Kühne Holding bring valuable expertise and capital to the table, propelling Flix’s strategic goals. EQT, a renowned investment organization, boasts a proven track record of building upon sustainable long-term investment strategies. Kühne Holding, a leader in logistics and transportation, offers extensive knowledge within the industry. This combined expertise, along with the influx of capital, will be instrumental in propelling Flix’s future endeavors.
Flix’s Growth Trajectory
Impressive Growth Figures
Flix boasts impressive growth, reaching €2 billion in annual revenue for the first time in 2023 with increased profitability. This growth momentum demonstrates the effectiveness of Flix’s business model and positions the company for even greater success.
Strategic Expansion Plans
Leveraging the investment, Flix plans to expand its global footprint, transform the North American bus market, and further scale FlixTrain. This multi-pronged approach positions Flix to become a dominant force in the global travel industry.
Flix’s Global Ambitions
Expanding Geographical Presence
Flix strengthens its global presence by entering strategic markets like Chile and India. These new additions demonstrate Flix’s commitment to making its sustainable and affordable travel solutions accessible to a wider audience worldwide.
European Expansion
FlixBus and FlixTrain’s expansion plans within Europe showcase the company’s dedication to its core markets. FlixBus strengthens its hold in the UK, Portugal, and Ukraine, with launches in Norway and Finland, aiming for market leadership. This targeted expansion ensures Flix remains a dominant player in the European travel scene.
North American Transformation
US Operations and Greyhound Acquisition
Flix has been operating in the US since 2018, solidifying its position with the acquisition of Greyhound Lines, an iconic intercity bus service provider. This strategic move significantly expanded Flix’s reach within the North American market.
Integration and Growth Strategy
Integration of Greyhound into the Flix platform is underway, fostering an asset-light model and propelling growth in North America. By leveraging its expertise and the existing Greyhound network, Flix is poised to revolutionize the North American bus travel landscape.
Sustainability Focus
Commitment to Sustainability
Flix prioritizes sustainability with its vision of offering affordable and eco-friendly travel solutions. This commitment is evidenced by their recent ESG report, which highlights the company’s efforts to minimize its environmental impact.
Alignment with EQT Future’s Mission
Flix’s focus on sustainability aligns perfectly with EQT Future’s mission to support businesses that offer sustainable solutions. This shared value system creates a strong foundation for a successful long-term partnership.
“EQT Future backs high-quality, growing companies that have the potential to be sustainability leaders in their fields. Flix is the perfect example of this. We are deeply impressed by what André and his team have built, having developed Flix from a startup into the clear global market leader, operating in 43 countries,” said Andreas Aschenbrenner, Founding Partner and Deputy Head of the EQT Future advisory team. “For us at EQT, it is always about providing more than capital. We are proud to partner with Kühne Holding, one of the leading transportation and logistics investors, and together with André and his team, we are excited to support Flix’s strategic growth agenda over the long term. We aim to ensure Flix’s low-carbon solution to long-distance travel reaches even more people across the world and believe that Flix is on a path to being the category-defining player in mass ground transportation, with huge potential to become a household name in the industry and beyond.”
Dominik de Daniel, CEO Kühne Holding AG, commented: “Flix is driving the next generation of collective transport. The Kühne Holding is proud to actively support them as a strategic partner in their next phase of expansion. Over the past few months, we have established a great relationship with the colleagues of EQT Future. We have great confidence in André Schwämmlein and his team and very much look forward to supporting Flix’s future in a beneficial partnership.”
Conclusion
The investment from EQT and Kühne Holding marks a significant milestone for Flix. The financial backing, combined with the expertise of these industry leaders, empowers Flix to accelerate its global expansion and solidify its position as a leader in sustainable and affordable travel. This strategic partnership positions Flix for continued success in the ever-evolving travel industry.
