Private operator Arenaways has confirmed it is in talks with one public and one private investor over selling stakes in the company. The Italian firm said that “advanced negotiations are underway to expand the corporate structure with two shareholders, a public and a private company, both leaders in the European market”.
Spanish media reported in early October that the board of RENFE Internacional, a subsidiary of Spain’s national rail operator, had approved plans to buy shares in Longitude Holdings, which owns Arenaways. This could allow RENFE to expand its operations in Italy, adding to the cross-border services it already runs between France and Spain. RENFE also holds shares in Czech private operator Leo Express.
In March, the Piemonte region awarded Arenaways a 10-year public service obligation (PSO) contract to operate passenger services on the Cuneo-Savigliano and Ceva-Ormea lines starting January 1, 2025. In February, the Italian Transport Regulatory Authority approved the company to run inter-city services on six domestic routes and one international corridor under open access rules.
Arenaways is owned by Longitude Holdings, whose shareholders include Arenaways CEO Matteo Arena, rail infrastructure contractor Generale Costruzioni Ferroviarie, and ferry operator Caronte & Tourist, which operates in southern Italy.
Founded by Matteo Arena’s father, Giuseppe Arena, Arenaways briefly ran Torino-Milano open access services in 2010-11. However, the rail regulator blocked the company from stopping at intermediate stations, fearing it would impact Trenitalia’s subsidised regional services. Unable to attract enough passengers, Arenaways ceased operations in 2011.
