The shipowning group Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has signed today a binding agreement to acquire a stake in about 50% in Italo - New Passenger Transport from Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), independent investor active in infrastructure sector, through its third main fund for infrastructure (GIP III). The agreement provides for the establishment of a Long-term strategic partnership for the future development of Italo, private operator of high-speed trains that has a Fleet of 51 electric trains used to connect 51 cities in Italy and in the transport of over 20 million passengers per year

The other stake of about 50% in Italo will continue to be owned by GIP, which will have governance joint with MSC, with certain entities of the Allianz group and funds managed by Allianz Capital Partners among others co-investors.

"This agreement - commented the president of MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, Diego Aponte - proves our long-standing commitment to Italy and support for transport high-speed passenger rail in the country. Believe strongly in Italo's potential to further strengthen the rail connectivity throughout Italy, but also in the National tourist market. Moreover, today's agreement reflects also the goal of our group to further develop sustainable modes of transport, both for passengers and for goods. All in line with Italy's efforts to strengthen its infrastructure network through new projects outlined in the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) for extend high-speed rail services to locations that today cannot access the service».

"We are very satisfied - said Bayo Ogunlesi, president and CEO of Global Infrastructure Partners - which MSC share our vision on the future of Italo, since the High-speed rail transport is key to achieve emission reduction targets and is in line with energy transition strategies and decarbonisation of GIP'.