One of Britain's biggest rail freight operators is being put up for sale as its state-owned German parent confronts financial challenges in its domestic and wider European businesses.
Sky News has learnt that DB Cargo UK is working with advisers at Interpath on an auction, with talks already underway with prospective bidders.
DB Cargo UK employs about 2,200 people, according to its website, providing freight, infrastructure and passenger charter trains across the UK, as well as freight services to and from mainland Europe via the Channel Tunnel.
The company is part of Deutsche Bahn, the state-owned German rail operator.
Reports suggest that DB Cargo UK's loss-making German parent planned to cut more than 6,000 jobs in its home market by 2030 - equating to roughly half its workforce in the country.
The precise financial position of its UK operations was unclear on Monday.
In a statement provided following an enquiry by Sky News, DB Cargo said it remained "one of the UK's leading rail freight operators, with a strong track record of delivering safe, reliable and efficient services for customers across a diverse range of sectors".
"As we look to the future and pursue our growth ambitions, we are seeking a new owner who can provide access to additional capital, broader market opportunities and the scale needed to support the next phase of the company's development.
"Our current shareholder, DB Cargo AG, has advised that its strategic focus will increasingly be on its core Central European operations, which are currently undergoing major restructuring following the European Commission's recent State Aid ruling."
The company added that its UK management board had hired legal and financial advisers "to support a process aimed at securing a new owner capable of unlocking DB Cargo UK's full future potential".
"We are confident that this represents the best path to long-term growth and a sustainable future for the business.
"Throughout this process, DB Cargo UK will continue to provide customers with the safe, reliable and high-quality service they expect."
(c) Sky News 2026: Rail freight giant DB Cargo shunts UK operation into sale process
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