The sale of the international rail freight company Schenker to the Danish logistics firm DSV is nearing completion. After all relevant authorities, including the European Union and supervisory bodies, granted their approval, the transaction can be finalized on April 30. This so-called financial closing is taking place earlier than originally expected by Deutsche Bahn.
The agreement for the sale was already signed last year, subject to approval by corporate bodies. The contract values Schenker at around 14 billion euros. However, debts and existing pension obligations must be deducted from this amount. According to earlier statements, Deutsche Bahn is therefore expected to receive around eleven billion euros by the end of April.
With the proceeds from the sale, Deutsche Bahn can significantly reduce its debt burden. The state-owned company was recently carrying nearly 33 billion euros in debt. The inflow of funds from the sale will substantially lower this figure. Despite this relief, the railway company still expects net financial debt to amount to around 26 to 28 billion euros by the end of 2025.
The main reason for this is planned investments in the rail network. Deutsche Bahn intends to continue allocating significant funds this year to modernize and expand its infrastructure. These measures are considered necessary to ensure the long-term performance and reliability of rail transport. The funds freed up by the Schenker sale are therefore not only intended for debt reduction but also for financing these infrastructure projects.
With the upcoming completion of the sale, a significant chapter in Deutsche Bahn's corporate history comes to a close. For many years, Schenker was a central component of the group’s international logistics operations. The sale to DSV now marks a strategic realignment aimed at focusing more on core rail operations while simultaneously creating financial flexibility.
