Thalys Merger with Eurostar

Thalys Merger with Eurostar

In September 2019, the shareholders of the cross-Channel high speed train operator Eurostar and Thalys introduced a plan to merge the two companies, named project Green Speed. Both companies already operate in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, with Eurostar also operating in the United Kingdom, and Thalys also operating in Germany, while SNCF already held a majority stake in both operators. The project was promoted as reducing costs and providing a more seamless experience to passengers via the use of a single ticketing system and loyalty program.

During September 2020, the merger between Thalys and Eurostar International was confirmed. In October 2021, it was announced that, upon the completion of the merger, it was intended for all of Thalys's services to be rebranded as Eurostar. On 28 March 2022, the European Commission approved the merger. The rebranding of Thalys services commenced in the autumn of 2023, and is planned to be completed by early in 2024. All services of the Eurostar brand will carry a common Eurostar logo, but with the cross-channel trains retaining their dark blue livery, and Thalys's rolling stock retaining its deep red livery. In April 2022, THI Factory was acquired by a new holding company, Eurostar Group , its former shareholders received a corresponding stake in the new holding company.

The change of logo on the trains didn't happen in one day, during a transition period, some PBA/PBKA trains with the new "Eurostar" logo could be seen together with others still wearing the older "Thalys" logo.

Thalys Overview

Thalys Owner: Eurostar Group
Thalys Stations: 26
Thalys Service Type: High-speed rail
Thalys Rolling Stock:
9 Thalys PBA
17 Thalys PBKA
Thalys Commenced: 4 June 1996
Thalys Track Gauge: 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge
Thalys Operating Speed: 300 km/h (190 mph)