Deutsche Bahn invites select bidders for second round of offers for DB Schenker, valued up to €15 billion.
Deutsche Bahn AG has invited a select group of bidders to submit another round of non-binding offers for its DB Schenker logistics unit, potentially valued at up to €15 billion ($16 billion). According to sources familiar with the matter, confirmatory bids are expected by late next month from various European logistics firms and investment groups.
The state-owned railroad operator is requesting bids from DSV A/S, AP Moeller-Maersk A/S, and MSC Mediterranean Shipping Co., among others. Saudi shipping company Bahri and Abu Dhabi sovereign fund ADQ, which owns AD Ports Group, have also been invited to participate.
A consortium comprising CVC Capital Partners and Carlyle Group Inc. remains in contention, while other private equity bidders have exited the process. The identities of the sources remain confidential due to the private nature of the information.
Deutsche Bahn confirmed that indicative bids are under evaluation and that the sale process is advancing as planned. Bidders will receive detailed information as the next phase of the process begins early this month, according to an emailed statement from the company.
Spokespeople for the CVC-Carlyle consortium, DSV, Maersk, and MSC declined to comment, while representatives for AD Ports, ADQ, and Bahri were not immediately available for comment outside regular business hours.
The ongoing deliberations may not necessarily result in a transaction, highlighting the uncertain nature of such high-value negotiations.
