European Commission confirms SNCF Geodis branch's acquisition of 100% of Ermewa
The European Commission has adopted a decision authorising the SNCF group, through its TLP subsidiary, to acquire exclusive control of Ermewa, which specialises in freight wagon and container hire activities.
Following a detailed investigation process, the European Commission asked the SNCF group to make a commitment that is an integral part of the authorisation granted. This commitment consists of selling, to a third-party operator, the TMF company, a freight forwarding company working in the rail transport of grain products, together with its fleet of 1,100 grain wagons.
The SNCF group has agreed to the commitment and is preparing to meet it. It hails this decision and the grouping of the workforce and activities of Ermewa.
Pierre Blayau, CEO of the SNCF Geodis branch, commented: “With Ermewa, the SNCF Geodis Division is enhancing its portfolio and gaining a foothold in the gas and chemical container hire business. It is taking control of a profitable company that has proven the robustness of its business model over the past years. This acquisition will also help to accelerate the development at European level of the Asset Management unit. It also will structure this unit, which can rely on Ermewa’s management, with Josef Küttel remaining chairman and chief executive officer.”
Ermewa in figures:
* 515 employees and 30 units located in 20 countries; head office in Switzerland.
* 2008 consolidated revenue: €383.9 million.
* Major customers in Europe, mainly working in chemicals, petroleum and gas, iron and steel, food and cosmetics. These include: Total France and Germany, Arkema, BP Chemicals, L'Oreal Group, Shiseido, Dupont, Solvay, and Honeywell.
* Two operational business units:
* Industrial wagons (wagon hire, freight forwarding, construction and maintenance of equipment) and agricultural wagons (wagon hire, freight forwarding).
* IC / IBC containers and tank containers (tank container hire).
* Main activities: tank container hire, specialised wagon hire, logistics services, and construction, repair and maintenance.
* Management of 21,000 wagons and 40,000 containers (of which 16,000 small containers).
* Main commercial brands: Ermewa, Eurotainer, CCR, TMF, TMF-CITA, EVS, Ermefret, Chemfreight, Transucre, Agrofreight, Orval, Ferifos.
For further information, visit: http://www.sncf.com/
Published: 28/01/2010
