Deutsche Bahn (DB) has completed the sale of its logistics subsidiary DB Schenker to Danish transport giant DSV for an enterprise value of EUR 14.3 billion, marking the largest transaction in DB’s history and a major milestone for the global logistics sector.
The proceeds from the sale, which will remain within the DB Group, are set to significantly reduce the company’s debt and support its restructuring programme, known as “Strong Rail” (S3). The transaction was finalised ahead of schedule following antitrust approvals from the EU and the US.
“Today we have completed the largest transaction in the history of Deutsche Bahn and in the history of the logistics industry. For DB, the Schenker sale means less complexity and full concentration on our core business,” Dr Richard Lutz, CEO of Deutsche Bahn, said.
As part of its core focus, DB will continue to restructure its infrastructure, operations, and profitability over the next three years. DB had already divested its local transport subsidiary DB Arriva earlier in 2024.
DSV, now one of the world’s largest logistics providers, plans to invest around EUR 1 billion in Germany over the next three to five years. Jens Lund, CEO of DSV, said the acquisition marked a “milestone” and would create a “flexible platform for long-term growth”.
Jochen Thewes, CEO of Schenker AG, called it the end of “the most successful era in Schenker’s more than 150-year history”, adding that the company looks forward to building the world’s largest logistics group under DSV ownership.
With approximately 71,100 employees across more than 1,850 locations in over 130 countries, DB Schenker brings extensive global supply chain expertise to DSV’s operations.
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