EQT Future and Kühne acquire 35% stake in global travel tech company Flix

Flix SE, a global leader in the travel technology sector, today announced a significant new partnership with EQT Future and Kühne Holding. These two prestigious entities will acquire a 35% minority stake in Flix, a move that strengthens Flix’s financial position and sets the stage for accelerated growth and innovation in the transport sector.

This strategic investment will see EQT Future and Kühne Holding not only making a primary investment in Flix but also purchasing shares from existing shareholders to establish a long-term anchor shareholding. The closing of this transaction is contingent upon customary conditions and regulatory approvals.

André Schwämmlein, CEO and Co-Founder of Flix, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership: “We are delighted to welcome EQT Future and Kühne Holding as strong and purpose-driven investors with proven track records of building upon sustainable long-term investment strategies. Their capital and know-how will be a strong asset to our company’s overall strategic vision. We couldn’t ask for better partners to embark on the next chapter of Flix’s journey.”

Flix has recently reported a remarkable 30 percent total revenue growth in 2023, reaching EUR 2 billion in annual revenue for the first time, with an adjusted EBITDA of EUR 104 million. This financial health is propelling the company towards achieving strategic milestones, such as expanding its global footprint, transforming the North American bus market, and scaling up its FlixTrain services in response to the rising demand for alternative rail services in Germany.

The investment aligns with EQT Future’s goal to support high-quality, growing companies that can become sustainability leaders in their fields. Andreas Aschenbrenner, Founding Partner and Deputy Head of the EQT Future advisory team, noted, “Flix is the perfect example of this. We are deeply impressed by what André and his team have built, having developed Flix from a startup into the clear global market leader, operating in 43 countries.”

Dominik de Daniel, CEO of Kühne Holding AG, also commented on the collaboration: “Flix is driving the next generation of collective transport. The Kühne Holding is proud to actively support them as a strategic partner in their next phase of expansion. We have established a great relationship with the colleagues of EQT Future and look forward to supporting Flix’s future in a beneficial partnership.”

Flix’s commitment to sustainability is further highlighted in its recently published voluntary ESG report for 2023. The company’s dedication to providing sustainable and affordable travel aligns closely with EQT Future’s mission to support market-leading businesses that positively impact the planet through their products and services.