Asset sales would help the German state-owned firm slash debt and modernise its domestic railroad operations, a key government priority. — Bloomberg
FRANKFURT: Deutsche Bahn AG has selected Goldman Sachs Group Inc and Morgan Stanley to advise on the potential sale of its DB Schenker logistics unit, which could be valued at as much as 20bil (US$21.3bil or RM96.3bil), people with knowledge of the matter say.
The German railroad operator is set to formally hire the two banks after a weeks-long pitching process that was one of the most hotly contested in Europe, said the people, who asked not to be identified because discussions are private.
Final details of the mandate are currently being finalised and could still change, the people said.
A spokesperson for Deutsche Bank AG said the German lender also expects to be handed an advisory role on the deal, declining to give further details.
Deutsche Bahn said in December it will explore a sale of DB Schenker. It is also considering a divestment of its Arriva transport business, Bloomberg News previously reported.
Asset sales would help the German state-owned firm slash debt and modernise its domestic railroad operations, a key government priority.
Schenker is likely to attract bids from rival logistics companies. Danish transport giant DSV A/S reiterated in February that it’s ready for deals and said previously it would be interested in buying the business if the German state decides to sell.
Other potential suitors in the industry could include Germany’s Deutsche Post AG and Switzerland’s Kuehne + Nagel International AG.
Representatives for Deutsche Bahn, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley declined to comment. — Bloomberg
