Belgian private rail freight operator Lineas might receive another 60 million euros from the Belgian government. The new injection would follow a 61-million-euros public bailout for the company approved at the end of 2025. Lineas was contacted for more information but was not immediately available.
Lineas has been in desperate need of cash for a couple of years already. Reportedly, the money would come from the Belgian government (30 million euros), the Flanders region (20 million euros) and the Wallonia region (10 million euros). The first 20 million euros would come in Q2 of this year, while the rest would be dispensed only if no new private shareholder joins Lineas. The new injection of 60 million euros, reported by L’Echo, would be the fourth capital injection for Lineas since 2023.
Four bailouts in three years
Back then, Argos Wityu and the state-owned Federal Holding and Investment Company (SFPIM), which own the company, unlocked a first tranche of 20 million euros. Then, after SFPIM increased its stake in Lineas from 10% to 45%, the company received 46 million euros from two Belgian regions with the help of a couple of banks. Finally, there was the 61 million euros coming from the Belgian government, approved by the European Commission right before Christmas.
If Lineas is not able to repay the 61 million euros, it will be forced to implement a restructuring plan. However, it is not yet clear if the need for new capital means that Lineas’ position is less stable. Lineas is by far the largest operator in Belgium, and also one of the biggest in Europe. Despite the financial struggles, thus, keeping it alive is vital to guarantee smooth logistics operations in a key area of the Old Continent.