German state rail operator Deutsche Bahn has launched the sale of its DB Schenker arm, one of the world’s largest forwarding and logistics companies.
The DB Group said that investors would need to express interest in the next few weeks. The company is valued at between €12 billion €20bn (US$13.2-20bn).
According to reports, the group’s preferred option would be a sale to another logistics company or an investor, although an initial public offering has not been ruled out. One report suggests Deutsche Post group, owner of DHL as a possible buyer.
Sale of the forwarding giant has been mooted many times in the past, but the need to reduce parent company DB Group’s debt has spurred the Germany government into action.