Rail Europe has acquired full ownership of Australasian rail specialist Rail Plus with immediate effect.
The European rail distributor has owned 50% of Rail Plus since 1998, but has now acquired the remaining 50% from New Zealand-based Keryn Smith.
“As Australasia is the second largest market for Rail Europe, it is a priority for us to strengthen our presence” Rail Europe chief executive Fabrice Morel said.
“This decision is the next logical step in Rail Europe’s strategy to further progress the consolidation of Rail Europe Inc. (North America) and Rail Europe 4A (rest of the world) into a single entity.
Morel stressed that is is “business as usual” for the Rail Plus team based out of both Melbourne and Auckland, led by chief executive James Dunne.
Rail Europe’s primary focus will now be on enhancing industry-leading distribution tools and further strengthening relations with trade partners, Morel confirmed. The acquisition will also facilitate the company’s alignment of its worldwide operations to deliver a “follow the sun” approach to customer care.
It underlined its ongoing commitment to key trade partners in Australia and New Zealand, including CIT Holidays, Go Holidays, Infinity Rail and Rail Tickets.
