Deutsche Bahn’s final decision on the sale of DB Schenker came on October 2, 2024, when the Supervisory Board ratified the Management Board’s choice to sell the logistics division to Danish-based DSV rather than the CVC Capital Partners-led consortium. This decision was not guaranteed, as the Supervisory Board consists of 20 members, half of whom represent labor interests, with the Ver.di and EVG unions strongly opposing the sale to DSV over concerns about potential job losses.
In a statement released at 2 p.m. on October 2, Deutsche Bahn announced the Supervisory Board’s approval, calling it "a significant milestone." The company also confirmed that the Federal Government had granted its approval, as required by the Federal Budget Code. The transaction is expected to be finalized in 2025, pending regulatory clearances.
The entire DB Schenker division will be sold to DSV for €14.3 billion, a figure that will rise to €14.8 billion when factoring in accrued interest up to the sale’s closure. Deutsche Bahn plans to use the proceeds to "focus entirely on the restructuring of Germany's railway infrastructure and the provision of climate-friendly passenger and freight transport operations across Germany and Europe," said Werner Gatzer, Chairman of Deutsche Bahn’s Supervisory Board.
Deutsche Bahn CEO Richard Lutz further commented, "We have set clear goals to structurally modernize Deutsche Bahn in terms of infrastructure, operations, and profitability, while focusing on our core business. The sale proceeds will significantly reduce DB’s debt and contribute to the financial stability of the DB Group. At the same time, DB Schenker will gain a strong strategic owner in DSV."
Martin Burkert, president of the EVG trade union, also attended the Supervisory Board meeting. Following the meeting, he expressed his disappointment, calling the decision a "serious strategic mistake," arguing that "short-term revenue comes at the cost of long-term income." Burkert also reiterated concerns over "massive job cuts" once DSV’s two-year employment guarantee expires.
