Škoda Group has acquired a 36% stake in the Latvian company SIA L-Ekspresis, which specialises in the maintenance, servicing, repair and modernisation of railway vehicles. The investment is in line with Škoda Group’s strategy to further develop its long-term service business and strengthen its local presence in the markets where it operates.
L-Ekspresis has extensive experience in the maintenance, repair and modernisation of railway vehicles, supported by its technical facilities and skilled workforce in Riga. Combining the company’s local expertise with Škoda Group’s technological and service know-how will create further opportunities to develop services for customers across the region.
„We have been cooperating with Skoda Group in the field of manufacturing for several years. We have also been involved in the production and delivery of new electric trains for Latvia and Estonia Joining forces with Škoda Group marks an important new chapter for L-Ekspresis. We bring more than 30 years of experience and a strong understanding of the local railway market, while Škoda Group brings extensive technological expertise and a broad European perspective.. This partnership gives us a strong foundation for further growth and enables us to offer even greater value to our customers,” says Rolands Gorodeckis, CEO of L-Ekspresis.
By investing in L-Ekspresis, Škoda Group is further expanding its service capabilities in the Baltics, with the aim to create a railway maintenance and service hub for the entire Baltic region in Riga.
“Our ambition is not only to deliver new vehicles, but to be a long-term partner to our customers throughout the entire vehicle lifecycle. Our investment in L-Ekspresis is therefore a natural step in our strategy to further develop our service business. We want to build on strong local capabilities while bringing our technological know-how and experience to the regions in which we operate,” says Petr Novotný, CEO and Executive Chairman of Škoda Group.
Škoda Group in the Baltics
Škoda Group has been steadily strengthening its presence in the Baltic region. In Latvia, 32 Škoda 16Ev electric units are already in operation, and the Group has also secured a contract to supply nine battery trains, with an option for seven additional units. In Estonia, Škoda Group has delivered 16 electric units for operator Elron and is delivering 40 battery-powered trolleybuses to Tallinn this year. The Group is also active in Lithuania, where it has completed the delivery of new trolleybuses for Vilnius. The investment in L-Ekspresis therefore represents another step in Škoda Group’s long-term development in the Baltics and in strengthening its local service capabilities.
