DB Cargo UK looking for a new owner
posted on 18th Aug 2026 08:40
DB Cargo UK is looking for a new owner who can provide access to additional capital, broader market opportunities and the scale required to support the next phase of development.
Announcing the plans to the 2,155 employees, Chief Executive Officer Andrea Rossi, said: “Our current shareholder, DB Cargo AG, has recently confirmed that its strategic focus will increasingly be on its core Central European operations, which are undergoing restructuring following the European Commission’s State Aid ruling. In light of this, the UK Management Board has appointed legal and financial advisers to support a structured process aimed at identifying a new owner with the resources, investment capacity and strategic focus to unlock DB Cargo UK’s full future potential.
The sale process has just begun and is supported by a comprehensive plan aimed at delivering for all our stakeholders. We are confident that a sale represents the best route to securing the long-term growth, competitiveness and sustainability of the business. DB Cargo UK remains one of the UK’s leading rail freight operators, with a strong track record of delivering safe, reliable and efficient rail and engineering services to customers across a diverse range of sectors."
Addressing colleagues, Andrea Rossi says the transformation programme in the UK has delivered significant improvements in operational performance and financial efficiency, however, the benefits of these improvements have been offset by a range of external factors, largely beyond its control, which have increased our already challenging cost base, adversely affected key markets, and contributed to reduced volumes and revenue.
“Despite these challenges, we firmly believe there is a strong future for our business which has a significant market share, serves a diverse range of customers, has a substantial asset base and extensive property portfolio. The business will continue to operate as normal."
Andrea Rossi became CEO of DB Cargo UK in September 2020. He became a member of the UK Board in 2013 when he was appointed Chief Financial Officer at DB Cargo UK. Andrea previously spent nine years fulfilling various roles within audit, planning and reporting at Deutsche Bahn AG in Germany.
