KfW IPEX-Bank Fuels Go-Ahead Group’s Zero-Emission Transition with GBP 200 Million CAPEX Facility

KfW IPEX-Bank Fuels Go-Ahead Group’s Zero-Emission Transition with GBP 200 Million CAPEX Facility

(IN BRIEF) KfW IPEX-Bank has secured a GBP 200 million CAPEX facility for the Go-Ahead Group, reinforcing its growth and commitment to sustainable transport. The new facility, arranged as a follow-up to an existing 2023 financing, is supported by six lenders with KfW IPEX-Bank acting as Sole Mandated Lead Arranger and Bookrunner. The funding will enable the Go-Ahead Group to expand its fleet, particularly by incorporating new zero-emission buses, thus reinforcing its position as a leader in sustainable public transportation. With major contracts such as the operation of the Elizabeth line in London and the Stockholm Metro under its belt, and a substantial bus fleet in the UK, Go-Ahead is strategically poised to advance its transition to a greener fleet by 2035. The announcement underscores the bank’s commitment to fleet electrification and sustainable mobility, as highlighted by statements from both the Group Structured Finance Director of Go-Ahead and a board member from KfW IPEX-Bank.

(PRESS RELEASE) FRANKFURT, 7-Apr-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — KfW IPEX-Bank has arranged and provided funding for a new CAPEX facility worth GBP 200 million for the Go-Ahead Group, a leading international public transport operator. This new financing builds on an existing facility from 2023 and sees KfW IPEX-Bank serving as the Sole Mandated Lead Arranger and Bookrunner, with the facility syndicated among six lenders.

The Go-Ahead Group has experienced significant growth, securing major contracts to operate the Elizabeth line in London and the Stockholm Metro, while also expanding its bus services both in the UK and internationally. In the United Kingdom, the company boasts a fleet of over 6,000 buses, making it the largest bus operator in London and a front-runner in zero-emission bus operations. The newly arranged funds will be used to introduce additional vehicles, including zero-emission buses, as part of the Group’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint.

Gonzalo Velasco, Group Structured Finance Director at The Go-Ahead Group, stated, “We have ambitious plans to build on our success and continue expanding our business, ultimately reaching even more customers. This facility will support our growth and reinforce our leadership in the transition to zero-emission transport. We extend our gratitude to the KfW IPEX-Bank team and our lending group for their unwavering support. Together, we are paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future.”

Andreas Ufer, a member of the Management Board at KfW IPEX-Bank, added, “We are very glad that we can provide The Go-Ahead Group with new financing. It’s always a special pleasure and confirmation for us to support our valued customers. Once again, we are bolstering fleet electrification and are thus contributing to more sustainable mobility in public spaces.”

The Go-Ahead Group employs 27,000 people across its bus and rail operations in the UK, Ireland, the Nordics, Singapore, and Australia. As the largest operator of electric buses in the UK, the company is dedicated to transitioning to a fully zero-emission fleet by 2035. Go-Ahead is jointly owned by Kinetic and Globalvia.

Media Contact:

Mrs. Antje Schlagenhaufer
KfW IPEX-Bank Press Office
+49 69 7431-4009
antje.schlagenhaufer@kfw.de

SOURCE: KfW Development Bank