International law firm Ashurst advised SNCF on the competition and employment matters related to the sale of its bus division Ouibus, to the French startup BlaBlaCar, global leader of carpooling.

Ouibus has transported more than 12 million passengers over the past few years in France and Europe. By offering buses on BlaBlaCar directly, the company can capitalize on its brand and huge community to counter the trend of bus travelling and become a marketplace for all road travel.

The Ashurst team in Paris advising SNCF on the competition law matters of the transaction was led by partners Christophe Lemaire and Michaël Cousin, assisted by associates Marie Florent and Helene Fricaudet. Employment advice was provided by partner Nataline Fleury and associate Claire-Marie Hincelin.