12.05.2025 | Press release

HGK Logistics and Intermodal GmbH acquires remaining shares in CTS and DCH

Strategic sale of the terminal holdings by DB Cargo AG

Cologne. leading provider of intermodal logistics solutions, HGK Logistics and Intermodal GmbH (HGK L&I) is further expanding its business areas in the Rhineland. By acquiring DB Cargo AG's shares in the container terminals of CTS in Cologne and DCH in Düsseldorf, HGK L&I will become the sole owner of both companies. HGK L&I and DB Cargo intend to continue to cooperate closely in the future in order to further strengthen intermodal transport and, in particular, freight transport by rail.

Markus Krämer (CEO HGK Logistics and Intermodal GmbH) and Dr Martina Niemann (CFO DB Cargo AG) signed the contract in Cologne. Photo: © HGK L&I

CTS Container-Terminal GmbH in Cologne is now wholly owned by HGK L&I, as is DCH Düsseldorfer Container-Hafen GmbH.

HGK L&I and DB Intermodal Services GmbH (DBIS), a wholly owned subsidiary of DB Cargo AG, previously operated the two trimodal terminals on the Rhine in two joint ventures: CTS Container-Terminal GmbH Rhein-See-Land-Service in Cologne-Niehl and DCH Düsseldorfer Container-Hafen GmbH. DB Cargo held the majority of shares in Düsseldorf (51 per cent) and was a minority shareholder in Cologne (22.5 per cent). "By acquiring the remaining shares in the terminals in Cologne and Düsseldorf, we are strengthening our position as experts for integrated supply chain solutions. As a leading provider of trimodal container logistics in Duisburg, Krefeld, Düsseldorf and Cologne, we will continue our successful and trusting cooperation with DB Cargo for sustainable, trimodal logistics solutions," explains Markus Krämer, CEO of HGK Logistics and Intermodal GmbH.

"The acquisition of the shares consolidates our position as an intermodal container logistics provider. With this step, we are emphasising the HGK Group's commitment to security of supply in the region. Especially in light of the current challenges for global trade, we are strengthening our role as a reliable partner for companies in the region," emphasises Uwe Wedig, CEO of HGK AG.

"By acquiring the remaining shares in the terminals in Cologne and Düsseldorf, we are strengthening our position as experts for integrated supply chain solutions."

Markus Krämer, CEO HGK Logistics and Intermodal GmbH

DB Cargo, the freight transport subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn AG, is currently undergoing a transformation process. Dr Sigrid Nikutta, CEO of DB Cargo AG: "The strategic sale is one of several steps in the restructuring process and is in line with the expectations of the EU Commission. We are well on the way to leading the company into a stable and healthy future." Dr Martina Niemann, Member of the Management Board for Finance and Controlling at DB Cargo AG, emphasises: "On the one hand, we are delighted that the terminals are now future-proof thanks to the takeover by HGK Logistics and Intermodal. On the other hand, together with HKG L&I, we can continue to drive forward the urgently needed transition of freight transport from road to rail."

The agreement was concluded on 12 May 2025. CTS will thus become a wholly-owned subsidiary of HGK Intermodal GmbH, which was founded in 2023, and CTS will hold 100 per cent of DCH's shares in the future. The contracting parties have agreed not to disclose the sales prices. The completion of the transaction is subject to the approval of competition authorities.