2 September 2009,
SNCF and Eurotunnel acquire Veolia Cargo
The SNCF and Eurotunnel have teamed up to acquire Veolia Cargo, the
rail freight businesses of the Veolia group.
Veolia Cargo, Europe's leading private rail freight operator, has a
particularly strong presence in Germany, Benelux and France.
Consisting of 20 subsidiaries, it employs nearly 1,200 people and
reported revenue of �188 million in 2008.
Groupe SNCF has taken over the rail companies based in Germany, the
Netherlands and Italy, while Groupe Eurotunnel is acquiring the
French branch of Veolia Cargo (Socorail, Veolia Cargo France, Veolia
Cargo Link and CFTA Cargo).
* A promising acquisition for SNCF
The transaction further strengthens SNCF's rail network in Europe,
especially in the Netherlands and Germany, where Veolia Cargo is the
leading private operator, notably through its subsidiary Rail4Chem.
Pierre Blayau, Deputy CEO of SNCF and head of the SNCF-Geodis
division, said: "This acquisition is part of our drive to develop
rail freight, notably by intensifying international links for full
train loads in Europe. For example, we will be able to directly
operate trains between Rotterdam and France to meet the growing needs
of our customers in this area."
* Eurotunnel steps up rail freight development
The activities acquired in France by Europorte 2, Eurotunnel's
specialist rail freight subsidiary, cover a broad and integrated
range of services, including domestic and international rail freight
traffic, local freight services on secondary lines, and services for
industry.
These activities are complementary to and non competitive with
Eurotunnel's existing services. The new activities will support
growth in the group's rail freight business. In 2008, with a
workforce of roughly 600, they generated revenues of around �50
million.
Jacques Gounon, Chairman and CEO of Eurotunnel, commented: "I am very
pleased that our offer, presented in partnership with the SNCF group,
was selected by Veolia. It marks a decisive step in the development
of Europorte 2 and the sustainable growth of Groupe Eurotunnel.
From a strategic point of view, the rail freight sector holds great
potential for the future, particularly in light of environmental
considerations."
The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of the year,
following approval from the competition authorities.
* EUROTUNNEL
Media enquiries: Investor enquiries:
Tel: +44 (0) 1303 284491 Michael Schuller: +44 (0) 1303 288749
* SNCF / GEODIS
Media enquiries:
Sylvie Coupaye: +33 (0)1 56 76 22 26/+33 (0)6 11 16 06 05
Sophie Bodin: +33 (0)1 40 70 11 89
* About SNCF Geodis:
SNCF Geodis, the Transport and Logistics Division of SNCF Group,
provides a global multimodal offering and end-to-end flow
management solutions for its customers in Europe and worldwide.
Through a network covering 120 countries, the division's
multicultural workforce brings customers truly local services
with the highest levels of flexibility and proactivity. SNCF
Geodis is the fourth-largest transport and logistics operator in
Europe, with revenue of 8 billion euros.
* About Eurotunnel:
Until 2086, Eurotunnel holds the concession to operate the
Channel Tunnel, the fastest, most reliable, easiest and most
environmentally friendly way to cross the Channel. In 15 years,
nearly 250 million people have used the Channel Tunnel. This
unique land crossing has become a vital link between the
continent and the United Kingdom.
Europorte 2, Eurotunnel's 100% owned subsidiary, was created with
the twin objectives of optimising the group's railway know how
and of providing its customers with a range of services designed
to encourage the development of rail freight traffic. Europorte 2
began commercial activities on 28 November 2007.
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