New era for Hungarian transport: New national transport giant set to form

Hungary’s passenger transport sector is about to undergo a significant transformation in the coming weeks. Two major state-owned transport companies, Volánbusz Plc. and MÁV-HÉV Plc., will merge into MÁV-START Plc., marking the birth of Hungary and the region’s largest passenger transport company. Although both companies have already been part of the MÁV group, this new entity, officially named MÁV Passenger Transport Plc. (MÁV Személyszállítási Zrt.), will streamline their operations under one umbrella.

The merger will dissolve both Volánbusz, which has a substantial workforce and serves a large number of passengers, and MÁV-HÉV, with all assets and liabilities transferring to the newly formed company, Magyarbusz.info reports. The new entity will continue as the legal successor of both companies, absorbing their operations and resources.

Photo: FB/Volánbusz

Impact on financial structure and assets

This consolidation won’t just change the structure of these companies; it will also significantly affect their financial status. The assets, liabilities, and obligations of Volánbusz and MÁV-HÉV will merge into MÁV-START, resulting in a notable boost in capital for the new company. The registered capital of MÁV Passenger Transport Plc. will more than triple, and the asset base will grow considerably, especially in terms of tangible and current assets.

Currently, Volánbusz holds 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 will exceed HUF 689 billion (EUR 1.72 billion).

Leadership and timeline

The new company will be chaired 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. While the earliest possible date for finalising the merger is 90 days after the decision on 30 September, the new entity is expected to be fully operational by 1 January.

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