Mediterranean Shipping Co. (MSC) has entered into a binding agreement to acquire a 50 percent stake in Italo — Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori, one of Europe’s private high-speed passenger rail operators, from Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP). Financial terms were not disclosed.
Since its launch in 2012, Italo has grown to operate a fleet of 51 energy-efficient electric trains, connecting 51 cities across Italy and serving more than 20 million passengers each year.
Following the transaction, GIP will continue to own the other 50 percent interest in Italo and will have joint governance with MSC and Allianz Group entities, funds managed by Allianz Capital Partners and other co-investors. The joint governance is designed to facilitate the next chapter of Italo’s growth and ensure its continued commitment to sustainable transport.
“We strongly believe in the potential of Italo to further strengthen rail connectivity across Italy but also the Italian tourism