The European Commission has given the green light to Mediterranean Shipping Co’s proposal to acquire a 50% share in Italo-NTV, an open-access high-speed train operator, from Global Infrastructure Partners. This deal, initially disclosed in October, underwent standard merger scrutiny by the Commission, which found no grounds for competition concerns.
Currently, Global Infrastructure Partners holds the other 50% of Italo-NTV, along with several minority stakeholders. However, there are plans for Global Infrastructure Partners to be acquired by investment firm BlackRock, as per a deal announced in January.
Italo-NTV, which commenced operations in 2012 following Italy’s liberalization of its high-speed rail market, boasts a fleet of 25 Alstom AGV and 26 Alstom Evo non-tilting Pendolino trainsets. Operating across 51 destinations, the company serves over 20 million passengers annually. Notably, Italo-NTV expanded its services last year with the acquisition of coach operator Itabus.