A recent working visit by Renfe's President, Raül Blanco, to the Czech Republic, where he engaged in discussions with Peter Köhler, CEO of Leo Express, resulted in capitalising on emerging opportunities in the European railway sector.
After Renfe acquired a 50 percent stake in this privately-owned Czech railway operator in 2021, it has been its main asset for international growth in the region. Leo Express has been operating in the Czech Republic since 2012 and has steadily expanded its services into neighbouring countries such as Slovakia and Poland.
During their meetings, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to jointly explore new business prospects in Central Europe. This includes expanding their presence in commercial and public service tenders, with the ambitious goal of achieving an 80% growth rate in the short term.
This partnership presents a unique opportunity for Renfe to penetrate new markets, leveraging Leo Express's existing licenses to operate in Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. Furthermore, Renfe will benefit from Leo Express's local expertise, experience, equipment, and market references, providing the necessary resources to thrive in these markets.