In line with the report published by the Federal Council on November 1 2017, which evaluated options for the future development of the business, a third person is to be added to SBB Cargo’s board of directors, who will act as chairman.

The move will make SBB Cargo more independent of its parent company, according to the Federal Department of Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (UVEK).

The process has already begun: the company announced in September that it was looking for a partner to take a share of 10-49%. According to SBB, several parties have expressed an interest and negotiations will begin in the first quarter of 2019.

The aim is to conclude a deal with one or more partners by the end of next year.

Full privatisation of SBB Cargo has been ruled out by the Federal Council.

According to the list of strategic goals, SBB Cargo must operate “a market-oriented and self-sufficient range of domestic and import/export services geared to the needs of Swiss industry.”

https://www.railjournal.com/freight/sbb-cargo-reform-opens-door-to-private-investors/