Flix further expands airport transfers with Flibco acquisition

Group expands airport services

Rail and coach service provider, Flix, has acquired a majority share of Flibco, an airport transfer platform, for an undisclosed amount.

This move sees the German-founded company, that has expanded over recent years - to now be in the UK with its acquisition of MegaBus' operations, North America with its acquisition of Greyhound in the US, and Brazil, Chile and Mexico in South America and Turkey and India in Asia - to grow even further.

It builds on the company’s launch of airport-shuttle services in markets such as Sweden, as well as its routes serving airports, which will allow for growth to speed.

The deal was advised by Ennea Capital Partners over the past few months, which will see SLG, a specialist in public transport and Flibco's current owner, retain a minority stake in the business and be a strategic partner to Flix.

“Over the years, we have learned that customers are looking for reliable and affordable ways to get to and from airports - not just between cities,” said André Schwämmlein, CEO of Flix. 

“This investment allows us to expand into the airport shuttle segment in a targeted way. Flibco has built a strong business in a fragmented market, and we see clear potential to scale it further by leveraging Flix’s platform, technology and reach.”

Flibco’s management team and employees will remain the same and the company has said it will continue to operate under the leadership of Flibco CEO, Tobias Stüber.

"The partnership with Flix marks the next milestone in Flibco’s successful growth story,” said Stüber. 

“We share the same vision of making affordable and sustainable mobility accessible to everyone. 

"By combining Flibco’s innovative strength and operational excellence with Flix’s global network, we will expand into new markets faster than ever before. 

"At the same time, we remain committed to offering our passengers a fully digital, comfortable and reliable travel experience - from booking to arrival at the terminal.”

Simon Schiller, partner at Ennea Capital Partners, that worked on the deal alongside Michael Tenzer, Sven Ahrens and Muhammad Qasim, added: "The transaction highlights the strategic value Flibco has built over time and the strong fit with Flix’s global platform and vision. 

Flibco’s technology-driven, asset-light model - combining digital booking, data-based route and schedule optimisation - creates a powerful foundation for continued expansion and long-term growth.”

Interestingly, the transaction will also be featured in the upcoming Amazon Prime documentary called SELFMADE, offering an inside look at Flibco’s growth journey and the work behind building the partnership.