Jens Lund, CEO, DSV A/S
In a landmark move reshaping the global logistics landscape, Deutsche Bahn AG (DB) has officially completed the sale of its logistics division, DB Schenker, to Danish transport and logistics conglomerate DSV. Valued at an enterprise worth of €14.3 billion, the transaction is being hailed as the largest corporate deal in the history of DB and the logistics industry.
With this strategic divestment, DB signals a decisive shift toward focusing on its core rail and infrastructure business. The proceeds from the sale will be fully retained by DB and utilized to substantially reduce the Group’s debt, further supporting its S3 turnaround program aimed at optimizing infrastructure and operational efficiency.
Transaction Completed Ahead of Schedule
The sale process, which began in December 2023 as an open, transparent, and EU-compliant competitive bidding procedure, has progressed smoothly. Regulatory approvals from EU and U.S. antitrust authorities were secured ahead of expectations, allowing the deal to close earlier than initially planned.
DSV emerged as the winning bidder with the most financially favorable offer, securing the rights to integrate DB Schenker into its global logistics network. The acquisition includes plans for DSV to invest €1 billion in Germany over the next three to five years to bolster its operations and innovation pipeline.
Leadership Speak
Dr. Richard Lutz, CEO of Deutsche Bahn, commented:
“Today we completed the largest corporate transaction in the history of Deutsche Bahn and the logistics industry. The sale of Schenker will reduce complexity for DB and allow us to fully focus on our core business. Over the next three years, we will turn our infrastructure, rail operations, and profitability around. The acquisition by DSV gives DB Schenker a new owner with a strong market position and global growth opportunities.”
Jens Lund, CEO of DSV A/S, said:
“With this acquisition, we become a world-leading player in global transport and logistics. We’re excited to welcome DB Schenker’s employees into the DSV family. This milestone enhances our global network at a time when supply chain resilience is more critical than ever.”
Jochen Thewes, CEO of Schenker AG, added:
“This marks the end of a highly successful chapter in Schenker’s 150+ year history. With DSV, we now aim to build the world’s largest logistics group through responsible and collaborative partnership.”
Strategic Context and Industry Impact
This monumental acquisition places DSV in an even stronger position to compete with top global logistics players such as DHL, Kuehne+Nagel, and FedEx. For DB, the move aligns with its broader strategy of simplifying its corporate structure and focusing capital and management bandwidth on the national railway network, public mobility, and digital transformation.
In addition to Schenker, Deutsche Bahn also divested DB Arriva, its European regional transport unit, earlier in Summer 2024, as part of a comprehensive portfolio realignment.
What’s Next?
With DB Schenker’s integration, DSV aims to leverage combined strengths to offer more agile, scalable, and reliable logistics solutions globally. Meanwhile, Deutsche Bahn is expected to channel its renewed focus into modernizing rail infrastructure, enhancing service quality, and improving financial health through its ongoing S3 program.
As the dust settles on this record-breaking transaction, the logistics and transportation industry watches closely to see how the new alignment will redefine global service delivery models and customer expectations.