CFI, the second-largest rail freight operator in Italy and currently controlled by F2i, may see up to 30% of its capital acquired by Ferrovie dello Stato through Mercitalia. This information, reported on 21 January 2025 by Corriere della Sera, comes from unofficial sources. The potential transaction is said to include an option for Ferrovie dello Stato to increase its stake in the future.
The report highlights that the acquisition would likely involve the transfer of locomotives from Mercitalia to CFI, coupled with an agreement for CFI to handle certain services. Specifically, post-transaction, CFI would manage intermodal container transport on behalf of Mercitalia, while Mercitalia would retain responsibility for block train operations. The move may result in workforce redundancies, with affected employees potentially being reassigned to other companies within the Ferrovie dello Stato Group.
Currently, Mercitalia commands 38% of the Italian rail freight market, while CFI holds a 13% share. Founded in 2007 by Giacomo Di Patrizi and a group of rail logistics professionals, CFI was fully acquired by F2i Sgr in April 2020, with Di Patrizi remaining as CEO. More recently, in September 2023, CFI acquired a 90% stake in Lotras, a company specialising in rail transport of food-grade liquids and intermodal freight services.
