Veolia to acquire Rail4Chem

BASF, Bertschi, Hoyer and VTG set up Rail4Chem in 2000 to intensify competition in the rail cargo sector. Since its launch, the company has become one of the major private providers in the business, aided by increasing liberalisation in European rail markets. In 2007 it recorded sales of over €80m. When the transaction is complete, Rail4Chem and Veolia Cargo’s existing rail cargo business will be combined to become Europe’s leading privately-owned provider of rail cargo services.

The existing transport routes, businesses and licenses of the two companies are a perfect match, according to Veolia. BASF, Hoyer, Bertschi and VTG will all remain customers of Rail4Chem.