International law firm Simmons & Simmons has successfully advised Austria-based Benteler Group on its acquisition of ioki GmbH, the leading European provider of software-based mobility solutions, from Deutsche Bahn AG. The transaction marks a significant step in the evolution of autonomous mobility services in Europe.
The acquisition brings together ioki’s advanced platform and routing technology with the autonomous shuttle manufacturing of Holon, a subsidiary of Benteler, and Benteler Mobility’s expertise in financing and operating autonomous fleets. This cooperation creates Europe’s first full-service provider for autonomous mobility, offering cities, transport operators and mobility providers a comprehensive, technologically advanced solution – from vehicles and software to autonomous mobility concepts and fleet operation.
Simmons acted as legal counsel to Benteler, advising on all aspects of the transaction. The firm’s team, led by Dr Christian Bornhorst (Partner, Corporate and M&A), Raghav Ghai (Partner, Corporate and M&A) and Michael Surmann (Supervising Associate, Corporate and M&A), provided legal advice throughout the process, drawing on Simmons & Simmons’ experience in complex M&A transactions within the mobility and technology sectors.
Dr Christian Bornhorst commented: “This transaction exemplifies the increasing convergence of technology and mobility, and highlights the importance of robust legal structuring in cross-border M&A. Our team is proud to have supported Benteler in realising this strategic acquisition, which sets a new benchmark for integrated, autonomous mobility solutions in Europe.”
