Railtraxx and Captrain Belgium integrate into one belgian railway player

Antwerp, 2 April 2019

Belgian rail freight operator Railtraxx and Captrain Belgium, subsidiary of the French Group SNCF, will be operationally integrated in one new railway entity, operating under the name Railtraxx. This integration creates a new dynamic locomotive in the rail freight sector, with a strong position in Europe’s logistic hotspot. The new Railtraxx distinguishes itself through an outstanding level of expertise, operating from the heart of Europe with an extensive international network. The new combined entity is in pole position to tackle the opportunities and challenges in a rapidly changing market.

SNCF becomes the shareholder of the new integrated entity, which will operate under the name of Railtraxx. Pieter Vanovermeire, CEO and shareholder of the currently existing Railtraxx, has been appointed CEO. The new entity will operate with a high degree of autonomy as to remain agile and customer focused. Railtraxx’ ambition is to drive the modal shift forward through innovation and entrepreneurship, in the benefit of rail transport. The new combined entity counts on a team of approximately 120 employees. A comprehensive action plan is in place to ensure a smooth integration.

Synergies and continuity

Railtraxx and Captrain Belgium started exploring possibilities of a partnership a while ago. Their integration is built on a vision shared by both companies: creating new synergies on a European scale, unlocking the untapped potential of rail freight. Their integration will diversify, complement and further reinforce their teams’ talent, services, capacity and client portfolio while further strengthening its critical mass in the dynamic Belgian and European railway sector. Railtraxx provides a range of services in Belgian industrial hotspots, including the port of Antwerp, and connects the main European logistic hubs.

“Captrain companies are already very active on the domestic German, Italian, Spanish and Polish markets as well as on the major European corridors. Railtraxx is like a smart engine in our sector. It is the partner we were looking for to develop our position in Belgium and around the Port of Antwerp, a major European transport hub. The company is driven by a strong entrepreneurial spirit, shares the same goal of sustainable, profitable growth and relies on an ambitious team of experts. This will be of great help for increasing the modal shift towards rail”, points out Sylvie Charles, CEO of Railfreight and Multimodal Business Unit of SNCF Logistics.

The new Railtraxx will continue to deliver competitive services to its clients, ensuring reactivity, flexibility and client focus with a firm commitment to the highest safety and quality standards, while seizing new opportunities.

The key to a real modal shift

“By joining forces, we create a new, dynamic locomotive in the world of railway transport. We take this step at a moment where rail freight transport offers an attractive and achievable solution for the societal challenges in terms of mobility and climate. Railtraxx is the key to unlock the untapped potential of rail freight. With this integration, our dedicated team of experts and train drivers will be even better equipped to design customized solutions for our clients. This is more relevant than ever from a business, societal and environmental point of view. We are ready for a future oriented journey.”, says Pieter Vanovermeire, CEO of the new Railtraxx.

Railtraxx, established in 2009, is an independent Belgian railway company that transports goods throughout Europe as an integrated part of customers' logistics chain and as a viable alternative to road transport. It offers block train products in a wide range of commodities such as intermodal, car traffic and conventional traffic. It operates approximately 100 trains a week (national and international) through Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. Besides the loading unit products, Railtraxx also provides last-mile activities in Belgium. Railtraxx provides a range of services in Belgian industrial hotspots, including the port of Antwerp and connects the main European logistic hubs.

About Railtraxx
(until now)

About Captrain Belgium

Captrain is the international European transport brand of SNCF Logistics, specialized in door-to-door rail freight and multimodal logistics. The Belgian subsidiary was founded in 2000 as a commercial representative of SNCF and it became a railway undertaking in 2007. The European Captrain network offers services for all type of goods that require national and international rail transport, as well as port rail and last-mile services.

Press
contacts

Belgium
Whyte Corporate Affairs:
Joris Bulteel

jb@whyte.be
tel.: +32 (0)476 69 59 86

France
Philippe Moritz

Head of Communications, Railfreight and intermodal Transport / SNCF Logistics
philippe.moritz@sncf.fr
tel.: +33 (0)6 35 50 63 43

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