Dubai’s Swvl to enter Europe, APAC and LATAM via Shotl acquisition

Swvl, a Dubai-based provider of transformative mass transit and shared mobility solutions, announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire a controlling interest in Shotl, a mass transit platform that partners with municipalities and corporations to provide on-demand bus and van services across Europe, LATAM, and APAC – optimising public transportation systems and reducing reliance on costly private options.

Shotl operates in 22 cities in 10 countries, including Brazil, Japan, and the European Union. Over 350,000 bookings have been made on the site thus far, giving it a 10 per cent market share in Europe. Shotl’s on-demand platform, which combines simplicity, flexibility, and sustainability, aims to address mobility shortages in cities, suburbs, and campuses.

Shotl partners with governments, municipalities and companies to reach populations living or working in low-density areas largely underserved by existing mass transit and ride-sharing options.

The mass transit platform will now leverage Swvl’s technologies to optimise routes further and maximise vehicle load while reducing traffic congestion.

“Our two companies share the view that there is an urgent need to transform traditional public transportation to make it more accessible, convenient and sustainable,” said Mostafa Kandil, Swvl founder and CEO.

Based in Barcelona and present across 20 cities in eight countries in Europe, including Spain, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Switzerland, Portugal and Finland, Shotl will serve as Swvl’s European hub and platform for further significant expansion. Swvl can leverage Shotl’s instant KPI measurements for continuous experience enhancement while providing data-driven insights to municipalities, transport companies, mobility planners and consulting firms for sustainable and modernised transportation planning.

Shotl will also provide Swvl with predictable, flexible and localised routes in European markets, enabling electrified van fleets to plan charging stops better than private car platforms, making it easier for public transit to comply with new energy mandates around the world. Expansion into APAC is upside to the current business plan reinforcing Swvl’s access to significant value creation opportunities beyond its current financial projections.

The transaction is expected to close in the fourth calendar quarter of 2021, subject to customary closing conditions.