Danish logistics company DSV acquires subsidiary Schenker in business transaction

Blockbuster Deal: Bahn's Schenker Division Sold to Danish Logistics Giant DSV, Setting Records

Rail company's subsidiary, Schenker, completes sale to Danish logistics company, DSV - Danish logistics company DSV acquires subsidiary Schenker in business transaction

Here's the drop: Deutsche Bahn's subsidiary DB Schenker has been snatched up by the Danish logistics powerhouse DSV. The deal, sealed in the early hours of April 30, 2025, boasts an impressive enterprise value of 14.3 billion euros, marking the largest transaction in the history of Deutsche Bahn and the logistics industry as a whole, according to Bahn CEO, Richard Lutz. The proceeds from the sale will fortify the DB Group's coffers, slashing the debt of the state-owned firm.

The deal was first announced back in September 2024. Since then, the German government, Bahn's supervisory board, and competition authorities have been mulling it over. They all eventually gave their respective thumbs-up, making this transaction a record-breaker for both companies.

DSV, in its press release, touts its aim to create a juggernaut in the global transport and logistics arena with the Schenker acquisition. Based on the financials of the previous year, DSV and Schenker together generated an estimated revenue of 310 billion Danish kroner (41.5 billion euros), with a workforce of close to 160,000 employees spread across more than 90 countries.

According to earlier DSV presentations, key central functions of Schenker, such as IT in Essen, will continue to operate. However, it's speculated that around 1,600 to 1,900 full-time positions, mainly in administration, may be phased out over the medium term.

The sale signifies a renewed focus on core business for Bahn, shifting towards rail transport within Germany. Even as it parts ways with one of its top-performing business segments—the Schenker division, which has consistently bolstered the parent company's balance sheet with impressive profits—the division generated an operating surplus of around one billion euros in 2024.

Note: This transaction marks a major consolidation move in the logistics industry, with the combined entity becoming the world’s largest logistics operator. Deutsche Bahn, seeking to improve itsprofitability, is refocusing on rail infrastructure and operations. DSV, eager to expand its global supply chain services, plans to invest €1 billion in Germany over the next few years.

• DSV
• DB Schenker
• Deutsche Bahn
• DB
• Logistics company
• Copenhagen
• Berlin
• Seller
• Richard Lutz

1. The record-breaking transaction between DSV and Deutsche Bahn's DB Schenker division, worth 14.3 billion euros, has made history in the logistics industry, as claimed by Bahn CEO Richard Lutz.
2. With DSV's acquisition of DB Schenker, the combined entity is set to become the world's largest logistics operator, aiming to create a formidable force in the global transport and logistics arena.
3. Despite shedding one of its top-performing business segments, Deutsche Bahn is repositioning itself with a renewed focus on enhancing rail operations and infrastructure within Germany.
4. As part of the restructuring following the sale, DSV has committed to investing €1 billion in Germany over the next few years, signaling its intent to expand its global supply chain services.

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