by Donald Wood
Last updated: 8:05 AM ET, Thu July 16, 2026
On Thursday, travel company Omio Group announced plans to
acquire Rail Europe, a world-renowned rail distribution platform.
Once the deal is completed, Rail Europe will become part of
Omio Group, joining the travel company’s B2C booking platform, B2B distribution
business, and travel discovery brand, Rome2Rio.
With the addition of the Rail Europe brand, Omio Group will
sell around 22 million train tickets per year and work with over 28,000
transport operators and travel sellers.
“This deal marks a transformative moment for the future of
global ground transport,” Omio Group Chief B2B Officer Jean-Francois Bessiron
said. “Omio and Rail Europe would give the industry a player with the
technology and scale to make connected, accessible, and affordable train travel
a reality for all. The sector has been constrained by outdated systems and
controlled by dominant players for far too long.”
As part of the deal, Rail Europe will continue to operate
under its current brand name and serve both B2B partners and travelers, while
benefiting from all areas of Omio Group’s technology stack, platform
capabilities, and multimodal inventory.
The proposed acquisition is subject to a consultation
process with the CSE (Comité Social et Économique), which will issue an
advisory opinion on the transaction. The transaction will not be completed
until this process has concluded.
“The past few years have been transformational for Rail
Europe,” CEO Björn Bender said. “With our teams and partners, we built an
independent business and a unique position in the global rail industry.”
“For the next chapter, Omio and Rail Europe are a natural
fit. Omio brings significant scale and transformative technology,” Bender
continued. “Rail Europe adds considerable rail experience, a trusted
international consumer brand, and the strongest B2B distribution network.”
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