SPANISH national operator Renfe has completed its acquisition of a 50% stake in Czech private operator Leo Express, after the deal was approved by the Spanish Ministry of Finance as it is of strategic importance for international business development, particularly in Central Europe.  

Renfe says the purchase will provide access to markets in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland and Germany, where Leo Express is registered as an operator and has access agreements with the respective infrastructure managers. 

Leo Express has faced financial difficulties in the past but was able to avoid insolvency. Czech Railways (ČD) was initially tipped as one possible partner for the company. 

Renfe is planning to achieve a larger share of international business and plans to expand its services following the liberalisation of the rail market in Europe, with a special focus on high speed.