SWEDEN: Private equity investment group EQT is to acquire A-Train, the operator of the Arlanda Express passenger train service connecting central Stockholm with Sweden’s largest airport in 18 min.
A-Train operates under a public-private partnership concession with the Swedish state which has granted long-term rights to operate the shuttle service until 2050. A-Train is owned by Portare 1 AB, which is itself owned by Australian pension funds State Super (STC Pooled Fund State Super), Sunsuper (Sunsuper Pooled Superannuation Trust) and China’s State Administration of Foreign Exchange.
EQT said it plans to support A-Train with an active long-term ownership approach focused on enhanced customer experience and operational improvements. Key initiatives include implementing a more flexible pricing model to improve accessibility and affordability, improving utilisation of existing capacity and expanding partnerships with airlines and travel providers.
EQT will support A-Train’s ongoing SKr3bn programme to introduce a new fleet of Stadler trainsets by around 2030, which will increase seat capacity by more than 50%.
‘We are delighted to partner with A-Train to continue its long track record of providing a high-quality and reliable service for millions of travellers each year’, said Kunal Koya, Partner, EQT Active Core Infrastructure. ‘A-Train is a strong fit for our Active Core Infrastructure strategy that aims to support sustainable companies that provide essential services to the communities they serve. We see significant potential ahead, and EQT is committed to investing long-term in further enhancing A-Train’s service offering.’
A-Train CEO Magnus Zetterberg said ’we look forward to continuing to improve the experience for the millions of customers who travel with Arlanda Express every year, ensuring that we remain the most reliable link between Stockholm city and Arlanda airport’.
The acquisition announced on December 22 is subject to customary regulatory approvals as well as the approval from Arlandabanan Infrastructure AB.
