The railcar leasing industry in Europe plays a pivotal role in the transportation of goods and passengers. Various players including private equity firms, banks, and specialized leasing companies supply rolling stock, offering flexible financing solutions to operators. This market serves to streamline the acquisition of rail cars, making it easier for companies to adapt to changing demands without the heavy costs and commitments of ownership. With a shift towards sustainable and efficient transportation options, the industry is increasingly embracing innovation, such as automated rail systems and electric-powered fleets, which promise more sustainable operations in the years to come.


This article highlights 16 notable investors in Europe’s railcar leasing industry, ranging from venture capital to private equity and corporate investors. With headquarters spanning locations from Paris to Zurich, these investors differ in size, with some managing thousands of employees. The firms were established between 1866 and 2015 and collectively executed 383 investments in 2024. Investors like the European Investment Bank and EQT Group present an intricate picture of engagement in the rail sector, showcasing investment strategies that prioritize growth and modernization within this vital industry.


Top 16 Railcar Leasing Investors in Europe


1. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a public entity and financial institution based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. It supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through a variety of services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. Bpifrance aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation by providing coaching and partnerships to help businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance was involved in the acquisition of Rail Europe from SNCF Voyageurs and SBB in March 2022, which highlights its engagement in the rail transport sector. This transaction, along with other investments in various sectors, showcases Bpifrance's commitment to supporting diverse industries, including those related to rail transport.


2. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, founded in 1958, that provides financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services to support sustainable projects across various sectors. In 2024, the EIB was involved in several significant transactions, including a $467 million debt financing for Adif Alta Velocidad, which manages Spain's high-speed rail network, highlighting its commitment to rail infrastructure. Additionally, the EIB provided funding to Pekao Leasing and BRD Sogelease, both of which are involved in leasing activities, further demonstrating its engagement in the financing of transportation assets. The EIB's focus on promoting growth and job creation through sustainable initiatives aligns with its investments in the rail sector, making it a relevant player in the railcar leasing industry.


3. EQT Group

  • Website: eqtgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 30
  • LinkedIn: eqt-partners

EQT Group is a prominent investment firm founded in 1994, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Based in Stockholm, Sweden, EQT serves institutional investors by providing expertise in managing diverse investment portfolios across various sectors and geographies. Among their notable transactions in the rail industry, EQT acquired EAGLE RAILCAR SERVICES in April 2025, enhancing their footprint in railcar leasing. Additionally, they have a significant stake in Hector Rail, a Swedish independent rail freight company, which they acquired in 2014. Furthermore, EQT's acquisition of Dellner Couplers, a leader in train connection systems, underscores their strategic interest in the rail sector. These investments reflect EQT's commitment to expanding its portfolio in the rail industry, particularly in areas related to railcar leasing and services.


4. 3i Group plc

  • Website: 3i.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1945
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: 3i-group-plc

3i Group plc is a London-based private equity and infrastructure investment firm founded in 1945. The company specializes in providing capital and expertise to mid-market companies, focusing on sustainable growth. With a diverse portfolio and a strong international presence, 3i Group aims to create value for its stakeholders through strategic investments. Notably, 3i Group has made significant investments in the rail sector, including a notable transaction in April 2019, where they agreed to invest in Regional Rail, LLC, a leading owner and operator of short-line freight railroads and rail-related businesses in the Mid-Atlantic U.S. This investment highlights 3i Group's commitment to the rail industry and its potential role in railcar leasing. Additionally, their past acquisitions, such as Keolis and Scandlines, further demonstrate their broad investment strategy, although these are not directly related to railcar leasing.


5. Crédit Mutuel Equity


Crédit Mutuel Equity is a private equity investment firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1988. The firm focuses on providing capital and strategic support to businesses across various sectors, integrating economic and ESG considerations into their investment strategies. Notably, they have been involved in several transactions relevant to the leasing industry, including Occarent, which specializes in leasing equipment to professional clients, and Axialease, which raised funds for its leasing operations. These investments demonstrate Crédit Mutuel Equity's capability and willingness to engage in the leasing market, including potential railcar leasing opportunities.


6. Deutsche Bank

  • Website: db.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
  • Founded year: 1870
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 32
  • LinkedIn: deutsche-bank

Deutsche Bank AG, founded in 1870 and headquartered in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, is a leading investment bank and financial services provider. It offers a wide range of solutions including investment banking, corporate banking, cash management, trade finance, and securities services. The bank serves corporate and institutional clients, helping them manage their financial assets and liquidity effectively through its digital platform, Autobahn. Notably, Deutsche Bank has participated in several significant debt financing transactions relevant to the railcar leasing industry, including a $1.5 billion debt financing for Transnet SOC Ltd in July 2022, which is involved in rail and freight services. Additionally, it has provided financing to Waypoint Leasing Services, a company focused on leasing helicopters and other assets, indicating its broader engagement in asset leasing markets. These transactions highlight Deutsche Bank's role as a key financial partner in sectors that include railcar leasing.


7. STAR Capital Partnership LLP

  • Website: star-capital.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: star-capital.com

STAR Capital Partnership LLP is a private equity firm based in London, England, founded in 1999. The firm specializes in strategic asset-based investments across Western Europe, managing capital from institutional investors. STAR Capital focuses on sectors such as transport, utilities, and healthcare, partnering with management teams to enhance shareholder value and ensure long-term growth. Notably, STAR Capital has made significant investments in the rail industry, including the acquisition of Eversholt Rail Group in 2010, a key player in the railcar leasing market. In 2021, they acquired a majority stake in Rail Operations (UK) Limited, which provides rolling stock movement and storage services, further solidifying their presence in the rail sector. These transactions highlight STAR Capital's commitment to the rail industry and its strategic focus on enhancing operational capabilities within this sector.


8. Arcus Infrastructure Partners LLP


Arcus Infrastructure Partners LLP is a private equity investment management firm based in London, England, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in infrastructure fund management, focusing on the European mid-market and managing assets across various sectors, including Digital, Transport, Energy, and Logistics & Industrials. Notably, Arcus has been involved in significant transactions within the railcar leasing context, such as their investments in Alpha Trains Group and Angel Trains, both of which are key players in the railcar leasing market. Additionally, their acquisition of a majority stake in Peacock Container, a tank container leasing company, showcases their strategic interest in the leasing sector. With a diverse portfolio and a commitment to enhancing infrastructure investments, Arcus Infrastructure Partners serves institutional investors and businesses seeking expert management and strategic support in their infrastructure endeavors.


9. Cma Cgm

  • Website: cma-cgm.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte D'Azur, France
  • Founded year: 1978
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: cma-cgm

CMA CGM is a prominent shipping and logistics company founded in 1978, headquartered in Marseille, France. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, the company operates in more than 160 countries, providing a comprehensive range of services including maritime transport, logistics solutions, and air freight. Notably, CMA CGM has made significant strides in the rail transport sector, highlighted by its acquisition of Continental Rail, a Spanish intermodal train company, in July 2021. This acquisition enhances CMA CGM's capabilities in intermodal logistics, allowing for more efficient transportation of goods across various modes of transport. Additionally, CMA CGM's recent transactions, such as the acquisition of Puerto Seco Azuqueca, the first dry port in Spain, and shares in CSP Bilbao, further demonstrate its commitment to expanding its logistics and intermodal services, which are integral to railcar leasing operations.


10. Groupe Crédit Agricole

  • Website: credit-agricole.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Montrouge, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1894
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 18
  • LinkedIn: credit-agricole

Groupe Crédit Agricole is a cooperative banking group based in Montrouge, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1894. It provides a wide range of financial services, including banking, insurance, and investment management, with a strong commitment to mutuality and social responsibility. As an investor, Crédit Agricole has been active in various sectors, including leasing. Notably, through its subsidiary Sofinco, it acquired OTP Leasing, a Slovak leasing company, enhancing its operational platform in the region. Furthermore, Crédit Agricole Corporate & Investment Bank participated in a $700 million secured portfolio financing for CDB Aviation, showcasing its involvement in financing within the leasing industry. These transactions highlight Crédit Agricole's engagement in the leasing market, including railcar leasing, although it operates across multiple sectors.


11. Dfds

  • Website: dfds.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Copenhagen, Denmark
  • Founded year: 1866
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: dfds

DFDS is a logistics and ferry operator based in Copenhagen, Denmark, founded in 1866. The company provides passenger and freight transportation services across Europe, operating a network of ferry routes and catering to both individual travelers and businesses. In recent years, DFDS has made significant acquisitions to enhance its logistics capabilities, including the acquisition of primeRail, a German rail operator, in May 2022, which marked the launch of a new rail business unit for DFDS. Additionally, they have acquired other logistics service providers such as the Estron Group and HSF Logistics Nijmegen B.V., further strengthening their transport capacity and customer offerings. These strategic moves indicate DFDS's growing involvement in the rail sector, particularly in rail operations, which is relevant to the railcar leasing industry.


12. Ldc

  • Website: ldc.co.uk
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1981
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 15
  • LinkedIn: ldc

Lloyds Development Capital (Holdings) Limited, commonly known as LDC, is a private equity firm based in London, England, founded in 1981. LDC specializes in providing growth capital and strategic support to mid-market businesses across various sectors. As part of Lloyds Banking Group, LDC focuses on helping management teams achieve their growth ambitions through investment and advisory services, fostering long-term partnerships to drive business success. Notably, LDC acquired Porterbrook Group on December 8, 2008, a key player in the railcar leasing industry, which underscores their involvement in this sector. Additionally, LDC has made various investments in other industries, such as logistics and container supply, but their direct engagement with Porterbrook Group highlights their relevance in the railcar leasing market.


13. Antin Infrastructure Partners


Antin Infrastructure Partners is a private equity firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in infrastructure investments across various sectors, including energy, digital technology, transportation, and social infrastructure. Antin manages multiple funds aimed at providing institutional investors with opportunities to invest in essential services that yield attractive returns. Notably, Antin has been involved in significant transactions within the rail industry, such as their investment in Porterbrook Group, a key player in the UK rail leasing market, and their investment in Lake State Railway Company, which indicates their active role in rail transportation. Furthermore, their recent acquisition of Gas Transport Leasing highlights their interest in leasing operations, reinforcing their potential relevance in the railcar leasing sector.


14. Partners Group

  • Website: partnersgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 19
  • LinkedIn: partners-group

Partners Group Holding AG is a prominent investment management firm based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, specializing in private equity, private infrastructure, private real estate, and private debt. Founded in 1996, the firm manages over USD 149 billion in assets and is recognized for its innovative approach and commitment to sustainability. Among their notable transactions, Partners Group acquired Gateway Fleets on September 30, 2024, which is directly relevant to the railcar leasing industry. This acquisition highlights their strategic interest in expanding their portfolio within the transportation sector. Additionally, their previous investments in various sectors demonstrate their versatility and capability to navigate complex investment landscapes, making them a significant player in the private markets.


15. Crédit Agricole CIB

  • Website: ca-cib.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Montrouge, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2004
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 17
  • LinkedIn: credit-agricole-cib

Crédit Agricole CIB is an investment bank based in Montrouge, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2004. It provides a wide range of financial services, including structured finance, investment banking, and capital markets solutions, primarily serving corporate clients and financial institutions. With a global presence, Crédit Agricole CIB helps clients navigate complex financial landscapes. In recent years, they have been involved in significant debt financing transactions, including a $100 million raise for Aircastle in 2022, which, while primarily focused on aircraft leasing, indicates their engagement in the transportation sector. They also facilitated a $283 million raise for Eurostar International in 2021, a key player in rail transport, highlighting their involvement in rail-related financing. Their diverse portfolio and active participation in transportation financing make them a noteworthy player in the railcar leasing context.


16. MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company


Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A. (MSC) is a logistics company specializing in shipping and transportation services, founded in 1970 and based in Geneva, Switzerland. With over 10,000 employees, MSC operates globally, providing tailored logistics solutions across various industries, including agriculture, automotive, and pharmaceuticals. In 2023, MSC made a significant move into the rail sector by acquiring a 50% stake in Renfe Mercancías, the Spanish national rail freight operator, through its logistics arm, Medlog, and railway operator, Medway. This acquisition, valued at approximately 200 million euros, highlights MSC's strategic intent to expand its logistics capabilities into landside and rail logistics, thereby enhancing its service offerings in the transportation sector. Additionally, MSC has been involved in various acquisitions to strengthen its logistics and shipping operations, including the acquisition of Integrated Container Logistics in 2019 and a 49% stake in Moby in 2023, further showcasing its commitment to expanding its logistics footprint.



Railcar Leasing Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
3i Group plcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-50019453
Crédit Mutuel EquityParis, Île-De-France, France51-20019882
Deutsche BankFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany10001+187032
STAR Capital Partnership LLPLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5019994
Arcus Infrastructure Partners LLPLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020093
Cma CgmMarseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte D'Azur, France10001+19781
Groupe Crédit AgricoleMontrouge, Île-De-France, France10001+189418
DfdsCopenhagen, Denmark10001+18662
LdcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200198115
Antin Infrastructure PartnersParis, Île-De-France, France201-50020073
Partners GroupBaar, Zug, Switzerland1001-5000199619
Crédit Agricole CIBMontrouge, Île-De-France, France5001-10000200417
MSC Mediterranean Shipping CompanyGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland10001+19704


Want to find more investors focusing on the railcar leasing industry?

If you want to find more investors that are active in the railcar leasingindustry, you can do that with Inven. We built this list and analysis throughInven's Investor Search, and there are a lot more private equity, venturecapital, and corporate investors like these globally.

With Inven, you'll also get to know:

  • Deal History: Number of deals and their sizes.
  • Portfolio: Companies they've invested in.
  • Contact data: Key dealmakers, including their emails and phonenumbers.
  • ...and much more!