Tip: Activate javascript to be able to use all functions of our website

News from 2019-02-07 / KfW IPEX-Bank

Railpool finalises new financing to support further growth

Refinancing and additional funds secured for planned company growth

As Europe's leading full-service leasing provider for locomotives, Railpool successfully extended its existing financing at the end of December 2018 and secured additional funds for the company's growth with a total volume of over EUR 800 million. The bank financing was supplemented by European private placements with various institutional investors as new financing partners.

Railpool was supported in the implementation of the financing by Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank (Crédit Agricole CIB) as advisor and KfW IPEX-Bank as agent. The private placement was implemented by Crédit Agricole CIB with Generali Global Infrastructure, Schroders and three other institutional investors. Crédit Agricole CIB and KfW IPEX-Bank as core banks, which have actively supported Railpool for many years, are participating in the bank financing as Mandated Lead Arrangers. ABN AMRO Bank, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, DVB Bank and ING Bank are also involved as Mandated Lead Arrangers. CMS in Hamburg for Railpool and Clifford Chance in Frankfurt advised the banks and institutional investors in this transaction.

Torsten Lehnert, CEO at Railpool: “With the support of the banks, institutional investors and law firms, we have successfully positioned Railpool for the future and set the course for further business development. The contract for another 10 Siemens Vectron locomotives and the contract for 20 TRAXX electric locomotives concluded with Bombardier in December underscore the willingness to actively support the developing rail transport market with attractive traction services for railway companies in Europe.”

Olivier Desfontaines, Head of Rail Finance Europe at Crédit Agricole CIB: “With the establishment of the new financing platform, Railpool has laid the foundation for further business expansion. We are pleased to have advised the company on the appropriate implementation of the structure and placement with the institutional investors. The “green” private placements and “green” bank loans used as financing instruments reflect the increasing importance and appeal of these financial products for investors and banks.”

Dr Carsten Wiebers, Global Head of Aviation, Mobility and Transport at KfW IPEX-Bank: “For us, the financing represents another milestone in our support of Railpool's growth process which began ten years ago when the company was formed with our involvement. Although we are no longer an owner, we have continued to support the company as its core bank ever since. This is also evidenced by the fact that we assumed the mandate as security agent, paying agent and facility agent for the consortium of six banks as well as 24 other investors upon conclusion of the contract.”

About RAILPOOL

RAILPOOL is one of the leading railway vehicle leasing providers offering real expertise for full service from a single source. The company was founded in Munich in 2008 and now operates in 14 European countries.

With over 400 electric locomotives (and an investment volume of over EUR 1 billion), RAILPOOL is one of the largest locomotive leasing providers in Europe.

RAILPOOL. Simplifies Your Transportation.

Mobility

We support financings for the transformation of the maritime industry and aviation as well as climate-friendly mobility & transport.

Read more