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{{Short description|Company operating the Channel Tunnel}}
{{about|the company|the tunnel it operates|Channel Tunnel}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}}
{{Use British English|date=November 2016}}
{{Infobox company
| name          = Getlink
| logo          = Getlink Logo.svg
| logo_size     = 100px
| image         =
| image_size    =
| image_caption =
| type          = ''[[Societas Europaea]]''
| traded_as     = {{EuronextParis|GET|FR0010533075|XPAR}}<br>[[CAC Next 20|CAC Next 20 Component]]
| ISIN          = {{ISIN|sl=n|pl=y|FR0010533075}}
| area_served   =
| key_people    = [[Jacques Gounon]] <small>([[Chairman]])</small><br/>
[[Yann Leriche]] <small>([[Chief executive officer|CEO]])</small>
| industry      = Rail transport
| products      =
| services      = Operation of [[Channel Tunnel]] infrastructure; [[freight rail transport]]; [[car shuttle train]] services
| revenue       = {{Increase}} €1.085 billion <small>(2019)</small><ref name="2019 Full Year Results">{{cite web |publisher = Getlink |url = https://www.getlinkgroup.com/content/uploads/2020/02/200227-getlink-robust-2019-annual-results.pdf |title = Getlink: Robust 2019 Annual Results |date = February 2020}}</ref>
| net_income    = {{increase}} €159 million <small>(2019)</small><ref name="2019 Full Year Results"/>
| num_employees = 3,539
| divisions     =
| subsid        = [[Eurotunnel]], [[Europorte]], [[ElecLink]], CIFFCO
| foundation    = August 1986
| location      = [[Paris]], France
| homepage      = {{url|http://www.getlinkgroup.com}}
}}
'''Getlink''', formerly '''Groupe Eurotunnel''', is a European public company based in [[Paris]] that manages and operates the infrastructure of the [[Channel Tunnel]] between [[France]] and the [[United Kingdom]], operates the [[LeShuttle]] railway service, and earns revenue on other trains that operate through the tunnel ([[Eurostar]] passenger and [[DB Schenker]] freight).<ref>{{Cite web |url = https://www.getlinkgroup.com/en/legal-information/getlink-website-legal-information/ |title = Website legal information |website = Getlink |language = en-GB |access-date = 2 December 2019}}</ref>
Groupe Eurotunnel was established on 13 August 1986 to finance, build, and operate the Channel Tunnel under a concession granted by the French and British governments. The tunnel was constructed between 1988 and 1994 by [[TransManche Link]] (TML) under a contract issued by Groupe Eurotunnel; construction costs would overrun considerably, from TML's original estimate of £4.7&nbsp;billion to the final cost of £9.5&nbsp;billion. On 6 May 1994, the completed tunnel was officially opened. Its rail infrastructure comprises {{Convert|50.45|km|mi|abbr=off}} of [[double track]] railway in the main tunnels, plus extensive surface-level terminal facilities at [[Eurotunnel Folkestone Terminal|Folkestone]] in England and [[Eurotunnel Calais Terminal|Calais]] in France. The rail network for operation of the Eurotunnel Shuttle train services is entirely self-contained, with connections near the two terminals to the respective national railway networks. Signalling and electric traction supply are also under Getlink control.
In 1995, a loss of £925&nbsp;million was reported by Groupe Eurotunnel; this was partly due to many of the planned services to use the tunnel not yet being permitted. On 2 August 2006, following failed [[debt restructuring]] plans, Groupe Eurotunnel was placed into [[bankruptcy|bankruptcy protection]]; a restructuring plan that involved a £2.8 billion funding arrangement and a debt-for-equity swap was approved by shareholders in May 2007. That same year, it reported a net profit of €1 million, the company's first profitable year. In December 2009, Groupe Eurotunnel and [[SNCF]] acquired the French rail freight operator [[Veolia Cargo]], gaining multiple subsidiaries in the process. In June 2010, the company acquired British rail freight company [[GB Railfreight|First GBRf]] for £31&nbsp;million from [[FirstGroup]]. In 2012, Groupe Eurotunnel acquired three Channel ferries formerly belonging to the liquidated [[SeaFrance]] ferry service, establishing [[MyFerryLink]] to operate them, although this was discontinued due to [[monopoly]] allegations after a brief period. On 20 November 2017, Groupe Eurotunnel changed its name to Getlink. In March 2018, the Italian [[holding company]] [[Atlantia (company)|Atlantia]] acquired the 15.49% stake of [[Goldman Sachs]] in Getlink, for roughly €1 billion.
==History==
===Foundation and early activity===
Getlink's origins can be traced to the formation of ''Groupe Eurotunnel'' on 13 August 1986; it was established in accordance with the [[Treaty of Canterbury (1986)|Concession Agreement of 1986]] between the governments of France and the United Kingdom with the goal of financing, building and operation of a [[Channel Tunnel|tunnel]] between England and France.<ref name=history>{{cite web |url = http://www.eurotunnel.com/ukcP3Main/ukcCorporate/ukcTunnelInfrastructure/ukcDevelopment/ukpHistory |title = History |publisher = Eurotunnel |date = 30 November 1984 |access-date = 27 April 2010 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101123153410/http://www.eurotunnel.com/ukcP3Main/ukcCorporate/ukcTunnelInfrastructure/ukcDevelopment/ukpHistory |archive-date = 23 November 2010}}</ref><ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite web |title = Eurotunnel 2005 Annual Review |url = http://ww1.eurotunnel.com/NR/rdonlyres/D8313D6F-2EAB-4FA7-85DB-8A822E0E3A3E/0/UK_2_partie_RA2005.pdf |accessdate = 10 December 2007 |url-status = dead |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20080530173047/http://ww1.eurotunnel.com/NR/rdonlyres/D8313D6F-2EAB-4FA7-85DB-8A822E0E3A3E/0/UK_2_partie_RA2005.pdf |archivedate = 30 May 2008 }}</ref> Groupe Eurotunnel awarded a contract for the tunnel's construction to the  bi-national project organisation [[TransManche Link]] (TML).<ref name="Wilson pp. 14–21">Wilson 1194, pp. 14–21.</ref> Furthermore, the company employed ''Maître d'Oeuvre'' to act as a supervisory engineering body under the terms of the concession that monitored and reported on the project.<ref name="Kirkland pp.10–11">Kirkland pp. 10–11.</ref>
While TML designed and built the tunnel, financing was handled by Groupe Eurotunnel; however, the British and French governments controlled final engineering and safety decisions, later formalised through the [[Channel Tunnel Safety Authority]]. The British and French governments gave Eurotunnel a 55-year operating concession, originally running from 1987; this was extended by 10 years to 65 years in 1993.{{sfn|Foreign & Commonwealth Office|1994|p=5}} Private funding for such a complex infrastructure project was of unprecedented scale. An initial equity of £45&nbsp;million was raised, then increased by £206&nbsp;million private institutional placement, £770&nbsp;million was raised in a public share offer that included press and television advertisements, a syndicated bank loan and [[letter of credit]] arranged £5&nbsp;billion.<ref name="Wilson pp. 14–21"/> The final cost for the tunnel's construction came to around £9.5&nbsp;billion, roughly double TML's original estimate of £4.7&nbsp;billion.<ref>{{cite news |last = O'Connell |first = Dominic |url = http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/transport/article786128.ece |title = Channel tunnel project has made Britain £10bn poorer |newspaper = The Times |date = 8 January 2006 |access-date = 17 December 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110612090314/http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/transport/article786128.ece |archive-date = 12 June 2011}}</ref><ref name="Flyvbjerg p. 12">Flyvbjerg et al. 2003, p. 12.</ref> This overrun has been attributed, in part, as a response to enhanced safety, security, and environmental demands.<ref name="Flyvbjerg p. 96/97">Flyvbjerg et al. 2003, pp.&nbsp;96–97.</ref> Financing costs were 140% higher than forecast.<ref name="Flyvbjerg p. 3">Flyvbjerg et al. 2003, p. 3.</ref>
Construction of the tunnel took place between 1988 and 1994; at the peak of construction activity, roughly 15,000&nbsp;people were employed while in excess of £3&nbsp;million was being expended each day.<ref name="Anderson Story p xvi-xvii">Anderson 1994, pp. xvi–xvii.</ref> On 6 May 1994, the completed tunnel was officially opened by [[Elizabeth II|Queen Elizabeth II]] and President [[François Mitterrand]], regular services commenced later that same month.<ref name=history/> In its first year of operation, Groupe Eurotunnel lost £925&nbsp;million, which was attributed to disappointing revenue from both passengers and freight traffic, as well as heavy interest charges on its £8&nbsp;billion of debt.<ref>{{cite news |last = Ipsen |first = Erik |url = http://www.iht.com/articles/1996/04/23/chun.t.php |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120904190131/http://www.iht.com/articles/1996/04/23/chun.t.php |url-status = dead |archive-date = 4 September 2012 |title = Bank debt causes £925m loss at Eurotunnel |newspaper = International Herald Tribune |date = 23 April 1996 |access-date = 27 April 2010}}</ref> The poor fiscal performance can also be partially attributed to the phased opening of the tunnel; various services awaited approval from the Channel Tunnel Safety Authority, some of which did not receive permission to commence until over a year after the tunnel's official opening date.<ref name="rail-253">{{cite magazine |page = 15 |magazine = [[Rail Magazine]] |number = 253 |first = Barrie |last = Hughes}}</ref>
On 10 July 1997, a financial restructuring plan was approved by Groupe Eurotunnel's shareholders.<ref name=history/> On 19 December, both the British and French governments officially agreed to extend its concession to 2086. On 7 April 1998, the financial restructuring process was officially completed. On 30 December 1999, as required by the Concession Agreement, Groupe Eurotunnel presented a road tunnel project to the British and French governments.<ref name=history/>
===2000s===
On 13 February 2004, Groupe Eurotunnel was granted a rail operator's licence in France, becoming the first company ever to possess such status.<ref name=history/>
In April 2004, a dissident shareholder group led by Nicolas Miguet succeeded in taking control of Groupe Eurotunnel's board. However, during February 2005, Jean-Louis Raymond, the [[Chief Executive]] appointed as a consequence of the boardroom coup, resigned and [[Jacques Gounon]] took complete control, becoming both [[Chairman]] and Chief Executive.<ref>{{cite news |last = Norris |first = Floyd |url = https://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/11/business/worldbusiness/11eurotunnel.html |title = Chief of Eurotunnel quits amid turmoil on board |newspaper = The New York Times |date = 11 June 2005 |access-date = 17 December 2013 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131225084655/http://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/11/business/worldbusiness/11eurotunnel.html |archive-date = 25 December 2013}}</ref> During July 2006, shareholders voted on a deal that would have seen half the debt, by then reduced to £6.2&nbsp;billion, exchanged for 87% of the equity.<ref>{{cite news |title = Eurotunnel faces debt opposition |work = BBC News |date = 4 June 2006 |url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/5046802.stm |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090215093041/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/5046802.stm |archive-date = 15 February 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title = Eurotunnel blames Deutsche as it files for bankruptcy protection |newspaper = The Independent |date = 14 August 2006 |url = http://news.independent.co.uk/business/news/article1174375.ece |location = London |first = Michael |last = Harrison |access-date = 2 May 2010 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071120141019/http://news.independent.co.uk/business/news/article1174375.ece |archive-date = 20 November 2007}}</ref> However, this plan failed, and on 2 August 2006, Groupe Eurotunnel was placed into [[bankruptcy|bankruptcy protection]] by a French court for six months.<ref>{{cite news |title = Eurotunnel gets court protection |work = BBC News |date = 2 August 2006 |access-date = 3 August 2006 |url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/5237000.stm |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080430222100/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/5237000.stm |archive-date = 30 April 2008}}</ref> In May 2007, a restructuring plan was approved by shareholders, whereby [[Deutsche Bank]], [[Goldman Sachs]], and [[Citigroup]] agreed to provide £2.8&nbsp;billion of long-term funding and the balance of the debt being exchanged for equity, and the shareholders agreed to waive numerous perks, such as unlimited free travel, that they had previously been entitled to.<ref>{{cite news |title = Eurotunnel 'saved' by investors |work = BBC News |date = 25 May 2007 |access-date = 26 May 2007 |url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6693897.stm |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070902043420/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6693897.stm |archive-date = 2 September 2007}}</ref>
During June 2007, the company entered into a partnership through subsidiary ''Europorte 2'' with the Port of Dunkirk relating to rail freight traffic. Under this partnership, Groupe Eurotunnel was to operate trains from Dunkirk to the Delta 3 logistics terminal at [[Dourges]], and collaborate on container shipments to the United Kingdom, using the port of Dunkirk via the tunnel.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.railwaygazette.com/nc/news/single-view/view/channel-tunnel-freight-deal-follows-crucial-vote.html |title = Channel Tunnel freight deal follows crucial vote |date = 1 July 2007 |work = railwaygazette.com |access-date = 10 March 2012 |archive-date = 5 June 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200605055850/https://www.railwaygazette.com/nc/news/single-view/view/channel-tunnel-freight-deal-follows-crucial-vote.html |url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |url = http://www.usinenouvelle.com/article/eurotunnel-et-le-port-de-dunkerque-ensemble-sur-le-fret-ferroviaire.N18800 |title = Eurotunnel and the Port of Dunkirk together on rail freight |date = 15 June 2007 |website = usinenovelle.com |language = fr |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151018130932/http://www.usinenouvelle.com/article/eurotunnel-et-le-port-de-dunkerque-ensemble-sur-le-fret-ferroviaire.N18800 |archive-date = 18 October 2015|last1 = Nouvelle |first1 = L'Usine }}</ref>
Following the restructuring, Groupe Eurotunnel was able to announce a small net profit of €1 million in 2007, reportedly for the first time in the company's existence.<ref>{{cite news |title = Pour la première fois de son histoire, Eurotunnel est devenu bénéficiaire |work = [[Le Monde]] |date = 8 April 2008 |access-date = 19 July 2008 |url = http://www.lemonde.fr/economie/article/2008/04/08/premiers-benefices-pour-eurotunnel_1032093_3234.html |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080410215732/http://www.lemonde.fr/economie/article/2008/04/08/premiers-benefices-pour-eurotunnel_1032093_3234.html |archive-date = 10 April 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title = Eurotunnel reports first profit |work = [[BBC News]] |date = 8 April 2008 |access-date = 28 October 2009 |url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7335991.stm |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100312230102/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7335991.stm |archive-date = 12 March 2010}}</ref> Half-year earnings for 2008 rose to €26 million (£20.6&nbsp;million), while net profit was €40 million, despite the costs associated with traffic loss from September 2008 to February 2009 following a fire in the tunnel; this allowed Eurotunnel to issue its first-ever dividend of €0.04 per euro value.<ref>{{cite news |title = Premier dividende pour les actionnaires d'Eurotunnel |work = [[Le Figaro]] |date = 4 March 2009 |access-date = 3 March 2009 |url = http://www.lefigaro.fr/societes/2009/03/04/04015-20090304ARTFIG00356-premier-dividende-pour-les-actionnaires-d-eurotunnel-.php |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090305084316/http://www.lefigaro.fr/societes/2009/03/04/04015-20090304ARTFIG00356-premier-dividende-pour-les-actionnaires-d-eurotunnel-.php |archive-date = 5 March 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title = 2008 Summary |work = Groupe Eurotunnel S.A. |date = 23 March 2009 |access-date = 28 October 2009 |url = http://www.eurotunnel.com/ukcP3Main/ukcCorporate/ukcFinancialData/ukcKeyFigures/ |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091008082943/http://www.eurotunnel.com/ukcP3Main/ukcCorporate/ukcFinancialData/ukcKeyFigures/ |archive-date = 8 October 2009}}</ref>
The return to financial health allowed Groupe Eurotunnel to announce, on 28 October 2009, the anticipated voluntary redemption of some of its convertible debt. By anticipating to November 2009 the reimbursement of debt due in July 2010, it aimed to issue up to 119.4 million new ordinary shares, and thus shore up its capital while reducing its debt load.<ref>{{cite news |title = Eurotunnel tourne la page de sa dette |work = [[Le Figaro]] |date = 28 October 2009 |access-date = 28 October 2009 |url = http://www.lefigaro.fr/societes/2009/10/28/04015-20091028ARTFIG00239-fin-de-restructuration-en-vue-pour-eurotunnel-.php |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091031024233/http://www.lefigaro.fr/societes/2009/10/28/04015-20091028ARTFIG00239-fin-de-restructuration-en-vue-pour-eurotunnel-.php |archive-date = 31 October 2009}}</ref>
In December 2009, Groupe Eurotunnel and the French state railway operator [[SNCF]] acquired the French rail freight operator [[Veolia Cargo]], splitting the business between them. The company took over French operations: ''Veolia Cargo France'', ''Veolia Cargo Link,'' and ''CFTA Cargo'' are expected to be rebranded ''Europorte France'', ''Europorte Link'' and ''Europorte proximity'' and become part of its [[Europorte]] freight business. ''Socorail'' has not been announced as being rebranded.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.ifw-net.com/freightpubs/ifw/indexarticle.htm?artid=20017724477&src=ticker |title = Eurotunnel completes Veolia Cargo takeover |publisher = www.ifw-net.com |first = James |last = Faulkner |date = 1 December 2009 |access-date = 1 December 2009 |archive-date = 25 February 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120225141442/http://www.ifw-net.com/freightpubs/ifw/indexarticle.htm?artid=20017724477&src=ticker |url-status = dead }}</ref>
===2010s===
In January 2010, the Port of Dunkirk awarded Eurotunnel a seven-year concession to operate its {{convert|200|km|0|abbr=in}} railway system.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.dunkerque-port.fr/fr/presse/actualites/2010-01-12-dunkerque-port-choisit-eurotunnel-pour-l-exploitation-et-la-maintenanc-de-son-reseau-ferre-fr-4097.html |title = DUNKERQUE PORT choisit EUROTUNNEL pour l'exploitation et la maintenance de son réseau férré |date = 13 January 2010 |language = fr |work = dunkerque-port.fr |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130619042358/http://www.dunkerque-port.fr/fr/presse/actualites/2010-01-12-dunkerque-port-choisit-eurotunnel-pour-l-exploitation-et-la-maintenanc-de-son-reseau-ferre-fr-4097.html |archive-date = 19 June 2013}}</ref>
In June 2010, the company acquired British railfreight company First GBRf for £31&nbsp;million from [[FirstGroup]], to be merged into its [[Europorte]] subsidiary. It was rebranded [[GB Railfreight]].<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.tradingmarkets.com/news/stock-alert/fgrof_firstgroup-plc-disposal-956775.html |title = FIRSTGROUP PLC : Disposal of rail freight business |publisher = PR Newswire Europe via COMTEX |date = 1 June 2010}} {{dead link|date = July 2016 |bot = InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted = yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE6500Y220100601 |title = Eurotunnel buys GBRf from FirstGroup |publisher = uk.reuters.com |date = 1 June 2010 |access-date = 1 June 2010 |archive-date = 18 June 2010 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100618151206/http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE6500Y220100601 |url-status = dead }}</ref>
On 11 June 2012, a bid by Groupe Eurotunnel for three Channel ferries belonging to former operator [[SeaFrance]] (in [[liquidation]]) for lease to another operator was accepted,<ref>{{cite news |first = Robert |last = Wright |title = Eurotunnel to take over SeaFrance vessels |url = http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/9e3b4cac-b3e1-11e1-a3db-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1xkofY0cU |newspaper = [[Financial Times]] |date = 11 June 2012 |access-date = 14 June 2012 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120620184151/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/9e3b4cac-b3e1-11e1-a3db-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1xkofY0cU |archive-date = 20 June 2012}}</ref> and Eurotunnel acquired the SeaFrance ferries [[MS Berlioz|''Berlioz'']], [[MS Rodin|''Rodin'']] and [[MS Nord Pas-de-Calais|''Nord Pas-de-Calais'']]. Eurotunnel was chartered to start the [[MyFerryLink]] ferry company on 20 August 2012.<ref>{{cite book |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=VM-XAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA70 |title = Offshore Ferry Services of England and Scotland |first = Peter C. |last = Smith |isbn = 9781848846654 |year = 2012 |publisher = Pen and Sword |page = 70 |access-date = 29 November 2016|via=[[Google Books]] }}</ref> After years of legal fights over accusations that Eurotunnel operating a ferry line was uncompetitive, the company stopped operating MyFerryLink on 1 July 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.leparisien.fr/economie/myferrylink-eurotunnel-cede-deux-bateaux-au-danois-dfds-08-06-2015-4843661.php |title = MyFerryLink : Eurotunnel cède deux bateaux au Danois DFDS |date = 8 June 2015 |publisher = leparisien.fr}}</ref>
Groupe Eurotunnel transferred its listing from the [[London Stock Exchange]] to [[Euronext]] London on 19 July 2012.<ref>{{cite web |title = Archived copy |url = http://www.eurotunnelgroup.com/uploadedFiles/assets-uk/Media/Press-Releases/2012-Press-Releases/120719NYSE-Euronext-Londres-UK.pdf |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170113021246/http://www.eurotunnelgroup.com/uploadedFiles/assets-uk/Media/Press-Releases/2012-Press-Releases/120719NYSE-Euronext-Londres-UK.pdf |archive-date = 13 January 2017 |access-date = 16 March 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title = Archived copy |url = http://www.eurotunnelgroup.com/uploadedFiles/assets-uk/Media/Press-Releases/2012-Press-Releases/120620NYX-welcomes-Groupe-Eurotunnel.pdf |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140807103905/http://www.eurotunnelgroup.com/uploadedFiles/assets-uk/Media/Press-Releases/2012-Press-Releases/120620NYX-welcomes-Groupe-Eurotunnel.pdf |archive-date = 7 August 2014 |access-date = 16 March 2016}}</ref>
For the year 2015, statistics estimated that over 10.5 million passengers travelled on the Eurotunnel with 2,556,585 cars, 58,387 coaches and 1,483,741 goods vehicles.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.franceferrybooker.co.uk/ferry-companies/eurotunnel |title = Eurotunnel statistics for use during 2015 |date = 12 January 2017 |publisher = franceferrybooker.co.uk}}</ref>
On 20 November 2017, Groupe Eurotunnel changed its name to Getlink.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/europe/eurotunnel-rebrands-as-getlink.html?channel=537 |title = Eurotunnel rebrands as Getlink |publisher = [[International Railway Journal]] |date = 20 November 2017 |access-date = 20 November 2017 |archive-date = 1 December 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171201030724/http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/europe/eurotunnel-rebrands-as-getlink.html?channel=537 |url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url = http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/business/single-view/view/groupe-eurotunnel-rebrands-as-getlink.html |title = Group Eurotunnel rebrands as Getlink |magazine = [[Railway Gazette International]] |date = 20 November 2017 |access-date = 20 November 2017 |archive-date = 2 December 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171202064210/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/business/single-view/view/groupe-eurotunnel-rebrands-as-getlink.html |url-status = dead }}</ref>
In March 2018, the Italian [[holding company]] [[Atlantia (company)|Atlantia]] acquired the 15.49% stake of [[Goldman Sachs]] in Getlink and its 26.66% voting rights, for around €1 billion.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180302005291/en/Atlantia-Acquires-15.49-Stake-Eurotunnel-Getlink |title = Atlantia Acquires a 15.49% Stake in Eurotunnel (Getlink) |date = 2 March 2018 |website = Businesswire.com |access-date = 24 May 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180302005291/en/Atlantia-Acquires-a-15.49-Stake-in-Eurotunnel-Getlink |title = Atlantia Acquires a 15.49% Stake in Eurotunnel (Getlink) |publisher = businesswire.com |date = 2 March 2018}}</ref>
In June 2018, Getlink and auditor [[Ernst & Young|EY]] jointly presented a recent study on UK–Europe trade flows via the Channel Tunnel to the [[European Commission]]. Findings of this study included that, in 2016, the Channel Tunnel facilitated €138 billion of trade, believed to be roughly 26% of the total trade flows between Britain and continental Europe with an equal balance of imports and exports.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.getlinkgroup.com/content/uploads/2019/09/Getlink-and-You-June-2018.pdf |title = Getlink & You |publisher = Getlink |date = 15 June 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://press.getlinkgroup.com/news/eurotunnel-and-ey-present-european-authorities-with-a-new-study-on-trade-flows-between-the-uk-and-eu-via-the-channel-tunnel-a2d2-0791e.html |title = Eurotunnel and EY present European authorities with a new study on trade flows between the UK and EU via the Channel Tunnel |publisher = Getlink |date = 4 June 2018}}</ref>
In May 2019, Getlink celebrated 25 years of operation of the Channel Tunnel with the creation of a monumental fresco by street-art artist YZ on the Tunnel's French-side entrance.{{CN|date=November 2024}}
===2020s===
In early 2020, Getlink announced the separation of the position of chairman of the supervisory board from that of chief executive officer from July 2020; accordingly, [[Jacques Gounon]] remained President and Yann Leriche became CEO.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://press.getlinkgroup.com/photos/jacques-gounon-chairman-of-the-board-of-directors-and-yann-leriche-chief-executive-officer-of-getlink-5e7f-0791e.html?lang=en |title = Jacques Gounon, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Yann Leriche, Chief Executive Officer of Getlink |publisher = Getlink |date = 3 July 2020}}</ref> In June 2020, the company dropped its listing on the London stock exchange; it remains listed on the [[Euronext Paris]] market.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://press.getlinkgroup.com/news/euronext-london-closure-getlink-secondary-listing-in-london-terminated-e017-0791e.html |title = Euronext London closure: Getlink secondary listing in London terminated  |publisher = Getlink |date = 26 June 2020}}</ref>
Following the [[Brexit]] vote for the [[United Kingdom]] to leave the [[European Union]], Getlink and subsidiary company Eurotunnel made preparations for impending border control changes. Accordingly, an additional two hundred ninety new truck parking spaces at the Coquelles terminal were provided, while all the truck controls have been grouped into a single point, the Pit-Stop, and three additional control lanes at the Coquelles terminal and two lanes at the Folkestone were created. A smart border has been developed in collaboration with Customs and a Customs-SIVEP center to carry out additional veterinary and phytosanitary controls has been built.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.eurotunnelfreight.com/uk/2019/04/eurotunnel-hands-over-the-new-douane-sivep-control-centre-to-the-french-authorities/ |title = Brexit : Eurotunnel hands over the new Douane-SIVEP control centre to the French authorities |publisher = Getlink |date = 5 April 2019}}</ref>
SAS PARAFE, for the identity check of coach passengers, were installed on the two terminals in 2019; furthermore, 300 French and English staff were trained in administrative and customs formalities, veterinary and phytosanitary procedures, checks and document scanning, support and information for customers.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://press.getlinkgroup.com/news/eurotunnel-introduces-automatic-face-recognition-technology-designed-and-developed-by-in-groupe-c289-0791e.html |title = Eurotunnel introduces automatic face recognition technology designed and developed by IN Groupe |publisher = Getlink |date = 13 February 2019}}</ref>
Throughout the early 21st century, French construction company [[Eiffage]] has progressively increased its stake in Getlink.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://batinfo.com/en/actuality/eiffage-enters-the-capital-of-getlink-ex-eurotunnel-by-taking-5-03_11756 |title = Eiffage enters the capital of Getlink (ex Eurotunnel) by taking 5,03% |website = batinfo.com |date = 17 December 2018}}</ref> During October 2022, it was announced that Eiffage has become the largest shareholder of GetLink by increasing its stake in the firm to 20.76 percent.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.globalconstructionreview.com/eiffage-becomes-largest-shareholder-in-channel-tunnel-operator/ |title = Eiffage becomes largest shareholder in Channel Tunnel operator |website = globalconstructionreview.com |first = David |last = Rogers |date = 31 October 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://kentandsurreybylines.co.uk/business/trade/how-french-is-the-channel-tunnel/ |title = How French is the Channel Tunnel? |website = kentandsurreybylines.co.uk |first = Charlotte |last = Mbaliby |date = 10 November 2023}}</ref>
==Operations and services==
===Vehicle shuttle trains===
{{main|LeShuttle}}
Getlink operates two types of shuttle trains that transport vehicles through the Channel Tunnel along with two terminals to support the operation of the trains. LeShuttle trains transport personal vehicles and coaches, while LeShuttle Freight transports large trucks. Operations of the LeShuttle services comprise nearly 70% of Getlink's revenue.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 February 2023 |title=2022 Full Year Results Getlink |url=https://www.getlinkgroup.com/content/uploads/2023/02/23022023-2022-Full-Year-Results-Getlink.pdf}}</ref>
===Freight train services===
{{Main|Europorte}}
{{Unsourced section|date=November 2024}}
Europorte operates cross channel freight trains and freight trains within France. The company was formed by the merger of [[Europorte 2]] and [[Veolia Cargo]]'s French operations in September 2009.
===Passenger services===
{{Main|Eurostar}}
Getlink hosts, but does not operate, passenger train services through the Channel Tunnel. {{As of|2020|}}, [[Eurostar]] is the only passenger train operator that uses the tunnel, offering services that connect the United Kingdom with France, Belgium & The Netherlands.{{CN|date=November 2024}}
Eurostar trains are operated by [[Eurostar International Limited]], whose majority owner is [[SNCF]], the national railway of France. Eurostar International is the largest customer of Getlink, which levies charges (currently £25 per passenger per return journey) for use of the tunnel.<ref>{{cite web |title = Interview with Eurostar Chief Executive |url = http://www.railpro.co.uk/issues/pdfs/feb08_interview.pdf |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090304040145/http://www.railpro.co.uk/issues/pdfs/feb08_interview.pdf |archive-date = 4 March 2009 |access-date = 27 April 2010}}</ref>
===Electrical interconnector===
{{Main|ElecLink}}
{{Unsourced section|date=November 2024}}
ElecLink is a 1,000&nbsp;MW [[high-voltage direct current]] electrical [[interconnector]] between the UK and France, passing through the Channel Tunnel. The {{convert|51|km|abbr=on}} cable runs via the Channel Tunnel between converter stations at [[Peuplingues]] in France and Folkestone in the UK, with an additional {{convert|14.5|km|abbr=on}} of underground AC cable on the English side to a substation and {{convert|3.5|km|abbr=on}} on the French side to a substation. ElecLink commenced operations on 25 May 2022.
===Samphire Hoe===
{{Main|Samphire Hoe}}
{{unsourced section|date=November 2024}}
The company also owns the small Samphire Hoe nature reserve on the coast of [[Kent]], England, which was created from Channel Tunnel spoil during construction in the 1980s/90s. The road tunnel down, the ventilation area and the reserve itself are all owned by Eurotunnel.
== Future operations ==
=== Low cost passenger train service ===
In August 2018, [[Bloomberg Businessweek]] reported that Getlink is interested in setting up an [[Ouigo|Ouigo-style]] low cost high speed rail service between London and Paris, travelling between the railway stations of [[Stratford International station|Stratford International]] and [[Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2 TGV|Charles-de-Gaulle]].<ref>{{Cite web |url = https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-08-17/the-discount-airline-model-is-coming-for-europe-s-railways |title = The Discount Airline Model Is Coming for Europe's Railways |date = 17 August 2018 |website = Bloomberg Businessweek}}</ref> In March 2022, Getlink was reportedly examining the prospects of establishing its own [[rolling stock company|rolling stock leasing company]] in order to lower the costs involved in operating trains through the Channel Tunnel and launching such services.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.railtech.com/rolling-stock/2022/03/25/how-getlink-wants-to-clear-a-hurdle-for-new-operators-to-run-trains-through-the-channel-tunnel/ |title = How Getlink wants to clear a hurdle for new operators to run trains through the Channel Tunnel |publisher = railtech.com |first = Esther |last = Geerts |date = 25 March 2022}}</ref>
=== Regional rail ===
In September 2020, Getlink announces a partnership with [[RATP Group|RATP Dev]] to jointly bid under the "Régionéo" brand name for regional rail services in France which will gradually opened to competitive tendering.<ref>{{cite web |language = fr |title = Getlink et la RATP lancent Régionéo |url = https://www.capital.fr/entreprises-marches/getlink-et-la-ratp-lancent-regioneo-138043 |date = 15 September 2020 |access-date = 18 February 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.railjournal.com/regions/europe/regioneo-prequalifies-for-grand-est-rail-contracts/ |title = RégioNéo prequalifies for Grand Est rail contracts |publisher = railjournal.com |first = David |last = Haydock |date = 24 February 2021}}</ref>
==Rolling stock==
{| class="wikitable"
|- style="background:#f9f9f9;"
!Class
!Image
!Propulsion
!Top speed
!Number
!Built
!Notes
|- style="background:#f9f9f9;"
|-
|[[Eurotunnel Class 9|Class 9]]
|[[File:Eurotunneltrain.jpg|100px]]
| rowspan="2" |[[Electric locomotive|Electric]]
|{{Cvt|160|km/h}}
|58
| rowspan="2" |1993
|Used for [[LeShuttle]] vehicle shuttles
|-
|[[British Rail Class 92|Class 92]]
|[[File:92027 George Eliot at Stafford.jpg|100px]]
|{{Cvt|140|km/h}}
|16<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/259795/Eurotunnel-s-rail-buy |title = Eurotunnel's Rail Buy |work = Daily Express |date = 19 July 2011 |access-date = 18 August 2011 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120801180134/http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/259795/Eurotunnel-s-rail-buy |archive-date = 1 August 2012}}</ref>
|Used by [[Europorte]] for freight services
|-
|{{nowrap|[[Eurotunnel Class 0001|Class 0001]]}}
|
| rowspan="2" |[[Diesel locomotive|Diesel]]
|{{Cvt|100|km/h}}
|5
|1992
|Used for Channel Tunnel rescues/maintenance
|-
|{{nowrap|[[Eurotunnel Class 0031|Class 0031]]}}
|
|{{Cvt|50|km/h}}
|12
|1990
|Used for [[Shunting (rail)|shunting]]
|}
==See also==
* [[High-speed rail in Europe]]
* [[Irish Sea Tunnel]]
* [[National Rail Enquiries]]
==References==
===Citations===
{{reflist}}
===Bibliography===
* {{cite book | title = The Channel Tunnel Story | last = Anderson | first = Graham |author2=Roskrow, Ben | year = 1994 | publisher=E & F N Spon | location = London | isbn = 0-419-19620-X }}
* {{cite book | title = The Channel Tunnel Story: The world's longest undersea tunnel system | author = Foreign & Commonwealth Office | year = 1994 | publisher= Foreign & Commonwealth Office | location = London }}
* {{cite book | title = Megaprojects and Risk: An Anatomy of Ambition |author1=Flyvbjerg, B. |author2=Buzelius, N. |author3=Rothengatter, W. |title-link=Megaprojects and Risk: An Anatomy of Ambition | year = 2003 | publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]] | location = Cambridge | isbn = 0-521-00946-4 }}
* {{cite book | editor-last = Kirkland |editor-first = Colin J. | title = Engineering the Channel Tunnel | year = 1995 | publisher = Chapman and Hall | location = London | isbn = 0-419-17920-8 }}
* {{cite book | last = Wilson | first = Jeremy |author2 = Spick, Jerome | title = Eurotunnel&nbsp;– The Illustrated Journey | publisher = HarperCollins | year = 1994 | isbn = 0-00-255539-5 }}
==Further reading==
* {{cite magazine |title = Eurotunnel operations in profit for the first time |magazine = [[RAIL (magazine)|RAIL]] |issue = 325 |publisher = EMAP Apex Publications |date = 25 February – 10 March 1998 |page = 9 |issn = 0953-4563 |oclc = 49953699}}
==External links==
{{Spoken Wikipedia|En-Getlink-article.ogg|date=2019-10-05}}
* {{official website|http://www.getlinkgroup.com/}}
{{Channel tunnel}}
{{CAC Next 20 companies}}
{{Rail network infrastructure companies}}
{{Authority control|state=expanded}}
[[Category:Companies based in Paris]]
[[Category:Companies formerly listed on the London Stock Exchange]]
[[Category:Companies listed on Euronext Paris]]
[[Category:Channel Tunnel]]
[[Category:Railway companies established in 1986]]
[[Category:Railway companies of France]]
[[Category:Railway companies of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:1986 establishments in France]]
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