Hungarian transport enters new era with creation of national transport giant
Hungary’s passenger transport sector is on the verge of a major transformation as two of the country’s largest state-owned transport companies, Volánbusz Plc. and MÁV-HÉV Plc., are set to merge to create MÁV-START Plc. This merger will officially establish MÁV Passenger Transport Plc. (MÁV Személyszállítási Zrt.) as the largest passenger transport company in Hungary and the region.
According to reports from Magyarbusz.info, the merger will see the dissolution of both Volánbusz and MÁV-HÉV, with all assets and liabilities being transferred to the new entity. The newly formed company will become the legal successor of both companies, consolidating their operations and resources under one umbrella.
The financial impact of this consolidation is expected to be significant, with the assets, liabilities, and obligations of Volánbusz and MÁV-HÉV merging into MÁV-START. This will result in a considerable increase in capital for the new company, with the registered capital of MÁV Passenger Transport Plc. more than tripling and the asset base growing substantially.
Currently, Volánbusz has invested assets worth around HUF 188 billion (EUR 470 million), while MÁV-START’s assets are valued at nearly HUF 472 billion (EUR 1.18 billion). After the merger, the combined asset value is projected to exceed HUF 689 billion (EUR 1.72 billion).
The leadership of the new company will be headed by Lászlóné Németh, with other board members including current MÁV-START CEO Dr László Mosóczi, Attila László Chikán, Dr László Sors, András Puskás, József Vida, and Dr István Lantos.
The legal process of merging the three companies is already underway, with the new entity expected to be fully operational by 1 January. While the finalization of the merger could take up to 90 days after the decision on 30 September, the new MÁV Passenger Transport Plc. is poised to lead the way in passenger transport in Hungary and the region.
