DB Schenker to be sold as a complete unit and not split up

The Deutsche Bahn Group will sell its logistics company, DB Schenker, as a complete entity rather than dividing it into smaller units.

DB Schenker trucking

Photo: DB-Schenker

Deutsche Bahn has opted for the complete sale of its logistics entity, DB Schenker, rather than breaking it down into smaller units.

This decision, reported by DVZ, comes after months of deliberation by the Deutsche Bahn supervisory board, which concluded that a full sale was the most pragmatic approach.

While there is no fixed timetable for the sale, the board is now actively seeking concrete offers for the company, and this is anticipated to be a long-term project.

Proceeds from the sale will remain within the state-owned Deutsche Bahn group, according to DVZ reports.

Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing echoed a similar sentiment, stating during a meeting with the Hamburg business journalists’ club that a partial sale was not on the table.

It has been nine months since Deutsche Bahn initially announced the formation of a team to explore the potential sale of up to 100% of DB Schenker, the world’s fourth-largest airfreight forwarder.

The rationale behind this decision was to enable Deutsche Bahn to sharpen its focus on its Strong Rail Strategy and core rail business.

The company emphasized that while DB Schenker had achieved record results recently, it would require more substantial financial resources and greater autonomy in the medium term to pursue international acquisitions and enhance its market position.

Deutsche Bahn stated, "For this reason, a sale could open up new opportunities for DB Schenker in terms of growth and development."

"The company’s position as a global market leader makes it attractive for buyers and investors," it added. "In light of the economic challenges being faced worldwide and current uncertainty on the capital markets, DB does not want to rush a possible sale of DB Schenker."

Speculation about Deutsche Bahn selling its freight forwarding subsidiary had been circulating for several years.

Deutsche Post-owned DHL Global Forwarding is one of the potential buyers for DB Schenker.

Additionally, Danish forwarder DSV had previously expressed interest in acquiring the forwarding company.

Last year, DB Schenker reported record earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) of €1.8 billion—an almost 50% increase compared to the previous record set in 2021.

During the same period, total revenues surged by 20.3% to €27.6 billion, while airfreight volumes experienced a 7.8% decline to 1.3 million tonnes.

In the first six months of the current year, despite declines in ocean and airfreight rates, the forwarder achieved a "significant" operating profit of €626 million.

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