DB’s Supervisory Board clears sale of DB Schenker to DSV

Deutsche Bahn’s Supervisory Board has approved the sale of its logistics subsidiary, DB Schenker, to Danish transport giant DSV during an extraordinary meeting on Wednesday. The German federal government also granted the necessary approval for the transaction under the Federal Budget Code (BHO). The deal is expected to close by 2025, pending regulatory clearance, according to Deutsche Bahn.

“The sale of DB Schenker marks an important milestone for DB in its efforts to fully focus on restructuring the rail infrastructure in Germany and providing climate-friendly passenger and freight transport operations in Germany and Europe,” said Werner Gatzer, Chairman of the DB Supervisory Board.

“We have set clear goals to structurally modernise Deutsche Bahn in the areas of infrastructure, operations and profitability and focus on the core business. The proceeds from the sale will significantly reduce DB’s debt and thus make an important contribution to the financial stability of the DB Group. At the same time, DB Schenker will gain a strong strategic owner in DSV,” said Dr. Richard Lutz, CEO of Deutsche Bahn.

Deutsche Bahn signed a deal on 13 September to sell its logistics subsidiary, DB Schenker, to DSV for €14.3 billion, with the total value reaching €14.8 billion including interest income. DSV plans to invest around €1b in Germany over the next three to five years.

Deutsche Bahn is selling Schenker to fund its struggling domestic passenger operations and reduce its €30b debt. DSV’s acquisition follows its recent expansions, including the purchase of UTi, Panalpina, and GIL, further cementing its dominance in global logistics.

The Railway and Transport Union (EVG) representatives on the Supervisory Board of Deutsche Bahn AG said in a statement that they opposed the sale of DB Schenker AG, deeming it a serious strategic mistake that sacrifices long-term income for short-term gains. EVG Chairman Martin Burkert stressed that retaining Schenker would benefit the integrated rail system. However, he said the union was outvoted by owners and employers. The union is calling for the proceeds from the sale be used to reduce DB AG’s debt and invest in new vehicles and improved service quality. Burkert also expressed concerns over inadequate social protections for DB Schenker employees, highlighting fears of significant job cuts and insufficient guarantees.