Infranity in talks to buy majority stake in French coach operator Transarc

European infrastructure investment manager Infranity is in talks to acquire a majority stake in French coach operator Transarc.

The infrastructure business of Generali Investments said it has entered into exclusive negotiations with Transarc’s shareholders La Planchette Investissement, Bpifrance, Carvest and IDIA Capital Investment to buy the majority stake in the coach operator Transarc.

Infranity said the acquisition, expected to close in June, will help Transarc to accelerate its fleet growth and electrification strategy.

Founded in 1932, Transarc owns and operates a fleet of aound 1,500 vehicles across 25 departments in 6 regions of France: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Grand-Est, Ile-de-France, Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Centre-Val de Loire. The company provides various public services including school transport, regular lines, individualised transport, underpinned by contracts with public transport authorities. Transarc generated more than €80m in revenue in 2023. 

Louis-Roch Burgard, managing director, co-head of equity investments at Infranity, said: “We are delighted to partner with Transarc and its experienced and committed management team to pursue our objective to invest in decarbonised social mobility in Europe.

”This transaction offers a great example of our strategy to form long-lasting partnerships with management teams demonstrating shared values, in order to construct and deliver on their growth plans.”

Damien Rameau, president of Transarc, said: “Passenger transport is undergoing a major transformation. Infranity’s arrival in Transarc’s capital will enable us to address with great intensity the challenges of decarbonisation and consolidation in the sector.

”We thank the Infranity teams for their deep understanding of our DNA, and look forward to working together.”

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