The Hungarian transport and logistics giant Waberer’s has finalised its acquisition of a 51% stake in Pannon-Busz-Rent Kft., officially confirming its entry into the country’s road passenger transport sector. Originally agreed in February, the deal was completed on 26 May 2025 and was funded entirely from the company’s own resources.
Pannonbusz, headquartered in Pécs, is one of Hungary’s leading passenger transport companies, operating a fleet of 170 buses and employing over 200 staff. Its core activities include employee shuttle services for industrial and agricultural clients, train replacement services, and chartered coach transport. The company’s operations primarily cover central and southwestern regions of Hungary.
According to preliminary figures, Pannonbusz generated HUF 4.2 billion in revenue in 2024 and achieved a net profit of HUF 398 million, with an EBIT margin of 10%.
The remaining 49% stake will remain with the company’s founder, Zoltán Kölbl, until at least 2027. Under the terms of the agreement, Waberer’s holds a call option to acquire the outstanding shares, while Kölbl retains a corresponding put option.
The acquisition aligns with Waberer’s updated strategy presented earlier this year, which combines organic growth with targeted investments and acquisitions. As part of its long-term vision, the company plans to invest at least €400 million between 2025 and 2030, aiming to reach €1.7 billion in annual revenue and over €100 million in EBIT by 2031. Under the terms of the agreement, Waberer’s also holds a call option to acquire the remaining 49% stake in Pannonbusz in 2027.
“The passenger transport market offers notable synergies for us from a technical, operational and sales perspective,” said Zsolt Barna, Chairman and CEO of Waberer’s, in a statement accompanying the transaction’s closure.
The acquisition forms part of Waberer’s wider strategy to diversify its operations and expand into new markets beyond traditional freight logistics.
