The sale of DB Schenker, the logistics arm of Deutsche Bahn (DB), seems to have entered a new phase. The deadline for submitting indicative, non-binding offers was Tuesday, 26 March, and at least seven interested parties bade. The amount of the offers has not been shared yet, but the value of the company is set between 10 and 15 billion euros.
The bidding companies range from logistics operators to investment funds, according to German newspaper Handelsblatt. The logistics companies that presented an offer are DSV, who many consider the frontrunner, and Maersk, whose interest was confirmed by the CEO. Moreover, the Saudi national shipping carrier Bahri also came forward with an offer.
Other than logistics operator, the German newspaper underlined that a few equity funds joined forces to bid for DB Schenker. For example, US-based private equity company Carlyle Group teamed up with CVC Capital Partners, from Luxembourg. Moreover, Bain partnered with Advent International, both based in Boston, USA. The sale of the German logistics giant is still expected to take quite some time, as DB has now to review the offers. DB’s CFO Levin Holle recently said that a first agreement on the sale shall be signed in the second half of 2024, with the closing of the deal expected for 2025.
Also read: