Two binding offers for the acquisition of DB Schenker, submitted by Danish logistics company DSV and a consortium led by private equity firm CVC Capital Partners, have ignited a debate in Germany. The influential Ver.di union, which holds significant sway in the transport and logistics sectors, has endorsed CVC's bid, citing better job security compared to DSV. According to Bloomberg, the union fears that up to 5,300 jobs could be at risk if DSV takes control, as the Danish company plans to split DB Schenker into three entities. In contrast, CVC intends to maintain Schenker’s operational unity, preserving the company's integrity.

On August 29, 2024, Ver.di sent a letter to Deutsche Bahn's Supervisory Board members, urging them to prioritize job preservation in the transaction. This support for a private equity firm marks a shift in Germany, where such funds have historically been viewed with suspicion for their cost-cutting and quick sell-off tendencies. None of the involved companies have commented on the matter.

A meeting of Deutsche Bahn's Executive Committee is scheduled for early September, potentially leading to a recommendation before the decisive Supervisory Board meeting on September 18. Although both offers value Schenker at approximately 14 billion euros, Deutsche Bahn has reportedly asked the bidders to improve their proposals, finding them unsatisfactory at this stage.