Mainz/Hamburg, November 12, 2025 // DB Cargo and railcar lessor GATX Rail Europe announce that the sale-and-leaseback transaction for approximately 6,000 freight cars has been approved by the competition authorities. The total package includes a wide range of freight railcar types. During the multi-year lease-back period, DB Cargo will continue to have access to the cars, meaning they will be fully available for customer transport.

With the implementation of this agreement, DB Cargo is increasing the flexibility of its railcar fleet. The lease ratio of the total freight car fleet will increase to approximately 20 percent, thereby improving DB Cargo’s competitive position. For GATX Rail Europe, the transaction will further diversify and increase its fleet to approximately 36,500 railcars.

Johann Feindert, CEO of GATX Rail Europe, says: “We would like to thank DB Cargo for its trust and excellent cooperation. This project is a milestone for both sides and a strong signal for the future of European rail freight transportation. We look forward to a long-term partnership built on modern rolling stock and a clear shared vision.”

Mathias Thomas, Head of Fleet Management and Vehicle Projects at DB Cargo, says: “This is a real step forward for DB Cargo’s freight car fleets. It is common practice throughout the logistics industry for companies not to own their entire fleets. This is an important step toward making DB Cargo’s freight car provision more flexible. We will combine the expertise of GATX and DB Cargo so that both sides can benefit in the long term.”

Fridtjof Jakobs, Head of Service Procurement at DB Cargo, says: “The implementation of this project is an important contribution to the transformation of DB Cargo. Together with GATX, we have implemented this major project right on schedule. Looking back, the last few months have shown that GATX is an excellent partner for the future.”

The sale-and-leaseback agreement between GATX Rail Europe and DB Cargo is an example of a modern partnership model in the rail sector, with a focus on efficiency, sustainability, and investment power. The receipt of regulatory approval for the transaction was celebrated on November 10, 2025 at the DB Cargo headquarters in Mainz.

About GATX Rail Europe
GATX Rail Europe is a leading full-service railcar lessor in Europe, headquartered in Vienna. Including the sale-and-leaseback transaction, the company operates a fleet of approximately 36,500 railcars and offers safe, innovative, and sustainable solutions for industrial and logistics sectors.

About DB Cargo
DB Cargo is Europe’s leading rail freight company. With more than 70,000 freight cars and 2,000 locomotives, DB Cargo connects Europe’s industry with climate-friendly logistics on the railways—efficiently, digitally, and sustainably.