DSV Completes Acquisition of Schenker

Deal News | May 01, 2025 | Zawya

DSV Completes Acquisition of Schenker

DSV A/S has finalized its acquisition of DB Schenker from Deutsche Bahn AG in a significant all-cash transaction valued at approximately DKK 106.7 billion (around EUR 14.3 billion). This deal marks a strategic milestone for DSV, which has a history of integrating acquired entities to fuel growth, as it positions itself as a leading player in the global transport and logistics sector. The acquisition is anticipated to create operational synergies and transform the industry landscape by merging the strengths of two significant players in the field. With the potential for a combined pro-forma revenue of DKK 310 billion and a workforce of nearly 160,000 employees worldwide, the merger promises substantial growth, customer benefits, and financial performance enhancements. DSV plans to integrate Schenker into its global network by May 2025, aiming to achieve annual synergies of DKK 9.0 billion by the end of 2028. Financial restructuring has been carried out with equity and bond issuances, as well as cash reserves, aligning with DSV's commitment to maintaining a stable capital structure. This acquisition not only boosts DSV's market position but also changes its financial outlook for 2025 and beyond. The company anticipates revised financial ambitions to be revealed following the completion of the integration with updates expected at its upcoming financial reports.

Sectors

  • Logistics and Transportation
  • Corporate Finance and Mergers & Acquisitions

Geography

  • Denmark – DSV A/S, the acquiring company, is headquartered in Denmark, making this region significant to the transaction.
  • Germany – DB Schenker, the target company, is part of Deutsche Bahn AG, a German entity, thus centering the acquisition's origins in Germany.

Industry

  • Logistics and Transportation – The acquisition involves DSV, a major player in logistics and transport, acquiring Schenker, another significant entity in the same sector, thereby reinforcing their joint position in the global logistics and transportation industry.
  • Corporate Finance and Mergers & Acquisitions – This transaction involves complex financing and M&A activities, including an all-cash purchase, equity and bond financing, making it a significant event within the corporate finance sector.

Financials

  • DKK 106.7 billion (EUR 14.3 billion) – The enterprise value of the acquisition between DSV and Deutsche Bahn for Schenker.
  • DKK 86.5 billion (EUR 11.6 billion) – The equity value of the transaction.
  • 0.75x EV/revenue; 13.0x EV/EBIT – Transaction multiples based on Schenker's full-year 2024 financials.
  • DKK 9.0 billion – Estimated annual synergies expected by 2028 from the integration.
  • DKK 11.0 billion – Total expected transaction and integration costs.
  • DKK 6.0 billion (EUR 800 million) – Normalised full-year 2024 EBIT baseline for Schenker.
  • DKK 75.0 billion (EUR 10.0 billion) – Amount raised by DSV through equity and bond issuances to partially finance the acquisition.

Participants

NameRoleTypeDescription
DSV A/SAcquirerCompanyDSV is a Danish transport and logistics company completing the acquisition of Schenker to solidify its global market position.
DB SchenkerTarget CompanyCompanySchenker is a logistics and freight forwarding company previously operated by Deutsche Bahn AG, involved in the transaction as the acquired entity.
Deutsche Bahn AGVendorCompanyThe German national railway company, which formerly operated Schenker, is selling its logistics business to DSV.
Jens H. LundCEO of DSVPeopleJens H. Lund is the Chief Executive Officer of DSV A/S and has provided statements about the strategic significance of the acquisition.
Jochen ThewesCEO of SchenkerPeopleThe current CEO of Schenker, who is anticipated to be nominated for DSV's Board of Directors following the acquisition.