SNCF may be considering selling a stake in its Rail Logistics Europe unit.
SNCF has engaged Lazard Inc. to advise on the potential transaction, which could value the rail freight logistics and transport business at up to €800 million ($941 million).
It would appear that Geodis is not part of the process.
Potential bidders could include CMA CGM, AP Moller-Maersk and DSV.
CMA CGM has recently acquired Freightliner in the UK.
Discussions are ongoing and SNCF has not reached a final decision on the size of the stake it would sell.
The SNCF Rail Logistics Europe business includes:
- Hexafret: the rail wagon groupage organiser
- Captrain: rail companies connecting Europe
- Forwardis: the architect simplifying access to rail freight
- Naviland Cargo: the multimodal door-to-door container carrier
- VIIA: the specialist in high-speed rail motorways
- Technis: a maintenance company optimising locomotive assets
