Deutsche Bahn deal worth R7.4bn ALAN PEAT A DEAL has just been signed up, with the US-based Brinks Company agreeing to sell its Bax Global operating unit to the German transport giant, Deutsche Bahn (German railways) for US$1.1-billion (R7.4-bn) in cash. The usual regulatory clearance, by the US and European Union (EU) competition authorities and the German ministry of transport, is still required, but the companies expect the transaction to be completed before year-end. From the SA point-of-view, an interesting factor is that Deutsche Bahn also owns Schenkers – which also has a forwarding operation in this country. The question is obviously whether DB will decide to continue operating both these brand names as separate entities, or whether they will be combined under one brand name. There is no comment on the local scene, with FTW being told by one party that nothing more can be officially revealed apart from what has been stated in the stock-exchange required press releases by the two listed companies. “Anything else would be purely personal speculation at this moment,” the senior executive added.
