Flix, a German mobility start-up known for its Flixbus and Flixtrain services, has announced that Klaus-Michael Kühne of Kühne Holding and EQT have acquired a significant stake in the company. This strategic partnership will support Flix’s expansion plans and may prevent an initial public offering (IPO) in the near future.
Kühne Holding, led by billionaire Klaus-Michael Kühne, is based in Schindellegi, Switzerland, while EQT is investing through their fund EQT Future, focused on sustainability. The partnership with new investors indicates that an IPO for Flix is not on the horizon at this time. Instead, the consortium plans to acquire shares from existing investors and increase capital to establish a long-term presence in the company. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed, but reports suggest that the consortium may have paid around 900 million to a billion euros for the stake.
Flix has experienced rapid growth since its inception in 2013. The company partners with external bus and train operators, allowing them to focus on their booking platform and network while operators handle buses and drivers. In 2023, Flix transported 81 million passengers globally, generating 2 billion euros in sales and an operating profit of 104 million euros. The influx of new investors will support Flix’s continued growth and expansion plans.
Kühne Holding’s involvement in Flix aligns with its existing presence in the transport sector, including investments in logistics group Kühne + Nagel International and top companies like Hapag-Lloyd and Lufthansa. The new partnership is seen as a strategic move to leverage synergies between Flix’s business model and Kuhne Holding’s portfolio.
Flux’s founders and majority of shareholders will continue to be involved in the business through this partnership arrangement. With a track record of sustainable and long-term investments, Kühne Holding and EQT are positioned to provide significant value to Flix as they work together towards a shared goal of expanding their respective businesses within the transportation industry.
Overall, this investment highlights how technology companies are increasingly turning to logistics players for financial backing as they look to expand their reach beyond their core operations into other areas like transportation infrastructure development or supply chain management solutions.
In conclusion, this strategic partnership between Klaus-Michael Kühne of Kühne Holding and EQT is expected to provide significant benefits for both parties as they work together towards further expanding their respective businesses within the transportation industry. While an initial public offering may no longer be on the horizon for Flix at this time due to this investment arrangement, it remains clear that both parties are committed to supporting
