Flix: The Future of Mobility – Investment by Klaus-Michael Kühne and EQT Postpones IPO Plans and Aligns with Flix’s Growth Strategy

German mobility start-up Flix has announced that logistics billionaire Klaus-Michael Kühne and financial investor EQT have acquired a total of 35 percent of the company. This investment has resulted in the postponement of any plans for an initial public offering (IPO) in the near future.

Flix had been in discussions with potential investors regarding an IPO, but the partnership with Kühne Holding and EQT has led to a strategic decision to postpone it. Flix is known for its Flixbus and Flixtrain services, and partners with external bus and train operators to focus on their booking platform and network while operators handle buses and drivers. In 2023, Flix transported 81 million passengers globally, generating 2 billion euros in sales and an operating profit of 104 million euros.

Kühne Holding, led by German billionaire Klaus-Michael Kühne, is based in Schindellegi, Switzerland, while EQT is investing through their fund EQT Future, focused on sustainability. The influx of new investors will support Flix’s expansion plans, as well as provide significant value through Kühne Holding’s track record of sustainable and long-term investments. The company’s founders and majority of shareholders will continue to be involved in the business, ensuring continuity in its growth strategy.

This partnership between Flix and Kühne Holding aligns with Kuhne’s existing presence in the transport sector, including investments in logistics group Kuhne + Nagel International and top companies like Hapag-Lloyd and Lufthansa. It is seen as a strategic move to leverage synergies between Flix’s business model and Kuhne’s portfolio.