3i, which is the majority shareholder in Keolis, and Group SNCF, announced in September that they intend to withdraw 3i’s stake in Keolis (see EMTA News n°17). The funding injected by 3i combined with backing from Group SNCF has enabled Keolis to consolidate its position among European public transport operators with a turnover of € 2.5 billion (vs. € 1.6 billion in 2002), 40% of which is on international markets.
The SNCF Group remains and will continue to be the principal industrial partner to Keolis, with no change in its level of participation. SNCF Group will select new key partners with a long-term investment strategy in a near future. Exclusive discussions have already been initiated with Axa Private Equity and Caisse de dépôt et de placement du Québec.