Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 31, 2026
2 min readLast updated: March 31, 2026
Add as preferred source on GoogleItalian infrastructure group Mundys is increasing its stake in Getlink to about 19%, with an option to acquire a further 6%, potentially reaching around 25% equity and just under 30% of voting rights—nearing the French regulatory threshold that triggers a mandatory takeover.
By Inti Landauro and Elvira Pollina
PARIS, March 31 (Reuters) - Italian infrastructure group Mundys is aiming to build a stake of up to 29.9% of voting rights in Getlink, the Paris-based Channel Tunnel operator, through two successive transactions that would bring it close to top shareholder Eiffage.
Mundys said on Tuesday it had agreed to raise its stake in Getlink by 3.5 percentage points to 19% and could acquire a further 6% of the company. It expects to secure regulatory approval for that purchase next month, which would take its equity stake to 25% and its voting rights to just shy of the 30% threshold that would trigger a mandatory takeover under French rules.
Eiffage, which owns close to 28% of Getlink’s share capital according to LSEG data, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Mundys’ move comes as traffic through the Channel Tunnel is expected to grow, two sources close to the matter said.
Rail operator Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane is planning to operate on the Paris-London route, in direct competition with Eurostar. The sources added that Mundys is also seeking to increase its exposure to the company, which it views as defensive and offering solid returns at a time of heightened market volatility.
Getlink’s shares were almost 4% higher at 0945 GMT. While the move gives it greater influence over shareholder votes, Mundys said it had no intention of taking control of the company or seeking additional board representation.
It did not disclose how much it paid for the additional shares. Based on Getlink's current market valuation of close to 10 billion euros, the combined 9.5% stake acquired by Mundys would be worth about 950 million euros.
Mundys is controlled by the Benetton family’s holding company Edizione, while U.S.-based private equity firm Blackstone is its second-largest shareholder.
($1 = 0.8718 euros)
(Reporting by Inti Landauro and Elvira Pollina;Writing and additional reporting by Mathieu RosemainEditing by Sudip Kar-Gupta, Kirsten Donovan)
Mundys currently owns 19% of Getlink and is set to increase its stake to up to 29.9% of voting rights after regulatory approval.
Eiffage is the largest shareholder, owning close to 28% of Getlink’s share capital.
Mundys stated it has no intention of taking control of Getlink or seeking additional board representation.
Mundys seeks increased exposure to Getlink, viewing it as a defensive investment offering solid returns amid market volatility.
Based on Getlink's current market value, Mundys’ combined 9.5% stake is worth about 950 million euros.
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