Shippers urge regulators to block Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern deal: FT
Seven associations of shippers have expressed concern the planned deal would significantly increase the power of the merged railroad to raise prices or reduce service standards, the report said.
Last month, Union Pacific said it would buy smaller rival Norfolk Southern in an $85 billion deal to create the first U.S. coast-to-coast freight rail operator and reshape the movement of goods from grains to autos across the country.
Union Pacific last month said it would buy smaller rival Norfolk Southern in an $85 billion deal.
REUTERS
The two railroads are expected to have a combined enterprise value of $250 billion and would unlock about $2.75 billion in annualized synergies, the companies said.
Reuters could not immediately verify the FT report.
Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment.
Previously, the transportation division of SMART, the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers, said it plans to oppose the merger when it comes before the Surface Transportation Board for review.
A Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern combination would create the first US coast-to-coast freight rail operator.
jetcityimage – stock.adobe.com
Major railroad unions have long opposed consolidation, arguing such mergers threaten jobs and risk disrupting rail service.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer also criticized the merger saying the deal would push 'us even further down the road of dangerous consolidation and monopoly power … This is a hostile takeover of America's infrastructure.'
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