Not just goods, but people too: this is the new strategy of the Hungarian haulage and logistics company Waberer's International, which in February 2025 announced the acquisition of 51% of the capital of Pannon-Busz-Rent. Founded by Zoltán Kölbl, who had been its sole owner until this transaction, the company provides transport services for employees of industrial and agricultural firms, operates replacement buses for railway services, and offers extraordinary transport solutions.
Pannon-Busz-Rent manages a fleet of 170 buses, including both company-owned and leased vehicles, and also employs subcontractors. In 2023, the company achieved a turnover of 4.4 billion Hungarian forints (approximately 11 million euros) with a net profit exceeding 500 million forints (about 131,000 euros). Kölbl will retain 49% of the capital for the next two years and will continue managing the company.
Waberer's CEO and chairman, Zsolt Barna, highlighted the strategic importance of the acquisition: "Our management is constantly seeking opportunities for growth and diversification. With this operation, we are entering a new market segment, road passenger transport, where significant synergies exist between our current freight transport fleet and the newly acquired buses. Among the most relevant advantages are the optimisation of vehicle, fuel, and toll procurement, fleet financing, vehicle and tyre maintenance management, as well as driver organisation. Moreover, integrating passenger transport services into our portfolio will enable us to offer additional value to both existing and potential customers, strengthening the strategic partnerships we have already established."
