Transfesa to Sell Semat Subsidiary to Groupe CAT
Deal News | Jun 05, 2025 | Iberian Lawyer
Cuatrecasas, a leading law firm, has played a crucial role in the strategic divestment of Semat, a subsidiary of Spanish railway company Transfesa, which is majority owned by Deutsche Bahn Cargo. As part of Transfesa's strategy to focus on its core business, especially in rail freight transport for the automotive sector, it has decided to sell 100% of its subsidiary, Semat, to French operator Groupe CAT. The move is seen as part of a larger business simplification process. The completion of the transaction is anticipated in the summer, contingent upon approvals from Deutsche Bahn Group's corporate bodies, the German Ministry of Digitalisation and Transport, and a shareholders meeting with Transfesa Logistics. Cuatrecasas' advisory team for the transaction included lawyers Kai Christian Fischer, Irene Moreno-Tapia, Jess Garcia, and Jordi Vergoni.
Sectors
- Railway & Freight Transport
- Legal Advisory
- Automotive Logistics
Geography
- Spain – Transfesa, the primary company in the transaction, is a Spanish railway firm.
- France – Groupe CAT, the acquiring company, is based in France.
- Germany – Deutsche Bahn Cargo, which owns a majority stake in Transfesa, is based in Germany, and German governmental approval is required.
Industry
- Railway & Freight Transport – The article focuses on Transfesa's divestment of a subsidiary in the railway sector, emphasizing their commitment to rail freight transport.
- Legal Advisory – Cuatrecasas, a legal advisory firm, played a central role in counseling Transfesa during the sale process.
- Automotive Logistics – The strategy aims to refocus Transfesa's resources on logistics related to the automotive industry.
Financials
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transfesa | Selling Company | Company | A leading company in the Spanish railway sector, focusing on freight transport. |
| Semat | Target Company | Company | A subsidiary of Transfesa that is being sold to Groupe CAT. |
| Groupe CAT | Bidding Company | Company | A French operator acquiring 100% of Semat. |
| Cuatrecasas | Legal Advisor | Company | A legal firm providing advisory services to Transfesa for the transaction. |
| Deutsche Bahn Cargo | Majority Stakeholder | Company | Majority owner of Transfesa and involved in approving the transaction. |
| German Ministry of Digitalisation and Transport | Regulatory Body | Government | Governmental department whose approval is necessary for the transaction. |
| Transfesa Logistics Shareholders | Stakeholder | Company | Shareholders involved in approving the sale of Semat. |