GERMANY: Plans announced last July for the possible part-privatisation of Deutsche Bahn subsidiaries DB Arriva and DB Schenker Logistics are in doubt following government indications that it is unhappy with DB’s proposals.
DB had hoped to raise up to €4∙5bn from a sale that could be set against its debt or reinvested in the business, but the government is reportedly blocking the move pending negotiations over how the proceeds are spent.
A decision had been expected at an extraordinary general meeting of DB’s supervisory board which was pencilled in for February 8, but this is understood to have been postponed with a ruling not now expected at least until March. A decision may be taken at a scheduled supervisory board meeting on March 15.
DB acquired the non-German interests of passenger train and bus operator Arriva in 2010.
