Target Company Information

In 2014, Cube and Gimv acquired Hansea, a leading private bus company based in Antwerp, Belgium (www.hansea.be). With a fleet of 811 buses and approximately 1,200 employees, Hansea is the largest operator of bus transport in Flanders. The company provides essential urban and regional transport services, primarily on behalf of public transport providers De Lijn and TEC. Additionally, Hansea is engaged in school transportation, personnel transport, and charter bus services.

The investment from Cube and Gimv enabled Hansea to secure the necessary funding and independence to drive substantial growth. This partnership facilitated four strategic acquisitions, positioning the company favorably in the competitive transport market.

Industry Overview in Belgium

The public transportation sector in Belgium, particularly regarding bus services, is characterized by a blend of private and public operators working collaboratively. The demand for efficient and reliable public transport is growing, driven by increased urbanization and environmental awareness among the populace.

The Belgian government has committed to boosting public transportation systems as part of its broader environmental initiatives, prioritizing sustainable mobility solutions across the country. This regulatory support fosters an environment conducive to investments in public transport infrastructure, enhancing the overall attractiveness of the sector.

The emphasis on green policies aligns with the European Union's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable urban mobility. As a result, there is rising investment in new technologies and operational efficiencies within the transportation sector.

Furthermore, the integration of regional transport services highlights the importance of collaboration among various transport authorities, creating a synergistic effect that improves service delivery and establishes a seamless travel experience for riders. Hansea is well-positioned to capitalize on these trends given its established presence and operational efficiency.

Rationale Behind the Deal

This transaction is motivated by DWS's goal to expand its investments in the public transportation sector. The acquisition of Hansea represents an opportunity to leverage the company’s established operational efficiencies and local expertise to further enhance its service offerings. Maintaining high service levels and meeting the demands of the regional populace remain top priorities for the new investor.

Hansea is anticipated to benefit from DWS's extensive experience in infrastructure investments, particularly in the Benelux region, thereby assisting in achieving its strategic growth objectives while providing exceptional transport services to its clients.

Investor Information

DWS is a leading global asset management firm, specializing in infrastructure investments with a focus on sustainable and responsible growth. With a robust portfolio across various sectors, DWS has identified the public transportation industry as a significant growth area in response to evolving macroeconomic and regulatory trends.

Under the leadership of Hamish Mackenzie, Global Head of Infrastructure at DWS, the firm aims to bring its financial strength and strategic insights to Hansea, helping bolster its operational capabilities and strategic initiatives while ensuring alignment with regional transport authorities.

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The acquisition of Hansea by DWS could be viewed as a strategic move that aligns with contemporary trends in public transportation. The continued support from Cube and Gimv has provided Hansea with a solid foundation for its expansion, and DWS's involvement bodes well for the company’s future trajectory. DWS's expertise in infrastructure investment should bolster Hansea’s strategic pursuits.

Moreover, the firm’s emphasis on sustainable transportation solutions resonates well with current societal trends towards greener, more efficient public transport systems. Given the existing growth momentum at Hansea and DWS’s track record, this partnership appears promising.

However, investors should keep an eye on the competitive landscape and regulatory developments that may affect operational dynamics. While the collaboration presents excellent prospects for growth, the potential challenges in adhering to public transport regulations and consumer expectations must also be considered.

In conclusion, this investment could be beneficial not only for DWS and Hansea, but also for the broader public transport ecosystem in Belgium. The convergence of DWS’s infrastructure investment strategy with Hansea’s operational initiatives positions the company for robust growth moving forward.

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