Deutsche Bahn completes sale of logistics subsidiary DB Schenker to DSV

Deutsche Bahn AG (DB) today finalized the sale of DB Schenker, its logistics subsidiary, to the Danish transport and logistics group DSV for an enterprise value of EUR 14.3 billion. In selling DB Schenker, Deutsche Bahn is taking an important step in focusing on its core business. The DB Group will retain all proceeds from the sale, which will substantially reduce its level of debt.

The sales process went according to plan and was finalized earlier than originally expected. In recent weeks, DSV obtained the last remaining approvals from the antitrust authorities of the European Union and the United States to acquire DB Schenker. DSV has stated that its aim in acquiring DB Schenker is to create one of the world's leading companies in the transport and logistics industry. DSV has announced that as the new owner it will invest some EUR 1 billion in Germany over the next three to five years.

Dr. Richard Lutz, Chairman of the Management Board and CEO of DB, said: "Today we completed the largest corporate transaction in the history of Deutsche Bahn and the logistics industry. The sale of Schenker will reduce complexity for DB and allow us to fully focus on our core business. Over the next three years, we will turn our infrastructure, rail operations and profitability around. The acquisition by DSV will give DB Schenker a new owner that promises a unique market position and opportunities for international growth."

Jens Lund, CEO of DSV A/S, said: "With the completion of the acquisition of Schenker, we have reached a milestone in the history of DSV. We have been looking forward to completing the transaction and I am excited to welcome our new colleagues to the DSV organization. With this acquisition, we become a world-leading player in global transport and logistics, at a time when global supply chains are more in focus than ever before, and our customers need a reliable and agile global network of services and products. By combining the two companies we will create a unique flexible platform for long-term financial growth to the benefit of our customers, employees, shareholders and other stakeholders."

Jochen Thewes, CEO of Schenker AG, said: "Today marks the close of what has been the most successful era to date in Schenker's more than 150 year history. It is with great pride that we look back on our excellent performance over the past years with Deutsche Bahn as our owner. Now, with DSV, we have the opportunity to build the world's largest logistics group. We look forward to working together on this great vision through responsible and collaborative partnership."

DB began the open, transparent and non-discriminatory process to sell DB Schenker in accordance with EU law in December 2023. DSV was selected in the competitive sale process because its offer was clearly the most financially advantageous for Deutsche Bahn AG. DSV and Deutsche Bahn signed the purchase agreement in September 2024. DB had also completed the sale of DB Arriva, its subsidiary for European regional and local transport, in Summer 2024.