Strategic business consulting for the railway and logistics industry

SCI Verkehr is a medium-sized, sustainability-oriented consultancy focussing on strategic issues in the international rail and logistics business. We support our business partners in optimising their processes and evaluating their assets. We help to analyse markets and develop sustainable and tailor-made strategies for the future. This includes, among other things: Accompanying M&A activities, realising climate targets, optimising the portfolio or existing processes, and opening up new markets and business areas.

Strategic Management Consultancy Examples

Classification freight wagon portfolio

Customer: Rolling Stock Investor

For an investor, SCI Verkehr analysed a freight wagon fleet as part of a refinancing to derive the potential for green financing opportunities. The wagons were segmented according to UIC type and potentially transported goods. Based on this, the wagons were classified taking into account the relevance of fossil goods.

Due diligence on an investment in alternative propulsion systems for rail vehicles

Customer: Strategic investor

SCI Verkehr supports an investor in the preparation of a CDD on an investment opportunity in an alternative propulsion technology for rail vehicles. Specific target markets are analysed, procurement criteria of the end customers are evaluated and the business plan is assessed and adapted together with the client.

The European leasing market for freight wagons

Customer: European freight wagon leasing company

On behalf of a big European leasing company, SCI Verkehr examined the European market for freight wagons with special focus on the leasing segment. Based on the three pillars- market analysis, competition assessment and survey of the demand side, various options were examined and assessed.

Market Analyses Examples

Development rail freight transport in Europe for strategic alignment of a leasing company

Customer: Investor

SCI Verkehr provides market information on the development of the rail freight transport market in Europe for a leasing company’s strategic alignment and examines the market environment of the rail freight transport market in Germany by means of a PESTEL analysis.

Potentials of alternative drive concepts in rail freight transport

Customer: Leasing company

On behalf of a leasing company, SCI Verkehr is analysing the potential of alternative drive concepts in rail freight transport. For the strategic planning of the company, an assessment of the market potential in various locomotive segments and performance classes is highly relevant for further investment projects.

Transport structure analysis of selected types of goods

Customer: European leasing company

On behalf of a major player in the European vehicle leasing market, SCI Verkehr analysed the transport structures of selected types of goods on a product level and the ensuing market opportunities. Special emphasis was placed on transport clients, operators, vehicle owners and available assets.

Asset Valuations Examples

Continuous evaluation of a rail vehicle portfolio

Customer: Refinancing credit institution

A credit institution commissioned SCI Verkehr for the assessment of credit risks for initial and subsequent valuations for an extensive rolling stock portfolio containing assets from various continents. SCI Verkehr accounted for ESG-risks in its valuation in case related information were available. In addition, SCI Verkehr supported the client at short notice with expert discussions as well as with a presentation on current market trends at the end of the project.

Fair value determination of electric and diesel locomotives

Customer: Railway funds

On behalf of a funding company, SCI Verkehr determined the fair value of electric and diesel locomotives in cooperation with a technical expert. The value is determined using the cost-based DRC approach taking into account the market and competitive situation in the respective country markets.

Valuation report EMU Eastern Europe

Customer: Operator Eastern Europe

On behalf of a railway operator, SCI Verkehr prepared a valuation report of a railcar fleet operated in Eastern Europe. Special focus was put on potential redeployment options, e.g. open access.

Public Consulting Examples

Brief analysis of freight exchange in rail freight transport

Customer: Ministry of Building, Housing, Urban Development and Traffic of North Rhine Westphalia

On behalf of the Ministry of Building, Housing, Urban Development and Traffic of North Rhine Westphalia, SCI Verkehr conducted a brief analysis of online freight exchanges in rail freight transport. The results were discussed with representatives of politics, the loading industry and operators.

Workshops NEW.S: "Optimisation in logistics"

Customer: NEW.S

Since 2004, the social partner project Nordrhein-Westfälische ErnährungsWirtschaft e.V. (NEW.S) has been leading a continuous discussion of important logistics issues in the sector. For this reason SCI Verkehr GmbH has developed a series of workshops called ?optimisation in the logistics sector? with company representatives. For two further workshops in the spring of 2007, SCI Verkehr is taking over the entire content preparation and management. This includes concept development, detailed planning, acquiring speakers and the presentation of the workshops.

Profitability Analyses Examples

Support for reorganising industrial processes

Customer:

The German subsidiary of a global beverage company wanted to reorganise its structures in the fields of administration, sales, logistics and vending. SCI Verkehr was commissioned to examine and further develop the documents and scenarios that had been prepared. In addition, SCI Verkehr accompanied negotiations with the employee representatives, and prepared content for the negotiations.

Further development of a rail infrastructure manager’s business model

Customer: Rail infrastructure manager

A public rail infrastructure manager (terminal and tracks) envisages further business development and better financial positioning. SCI Verkehr was commissioned to submit an application on increasing track fees - based on an in depth status analysis - to the federal railway authority on behalf of the company.

Process optimisations Examples

Investigation of site closures

Customer: Global player in the food industry

With the objective of realising rationalisation potential in distribution and warehousing, our client planned to consolidate three logistics sites into one central location near to production. In order to achieve this, the existing logistics site had to be restored using construction measures. SCI Verkehr as a neutral expert was involved in the decision-making process with regard to necessary investments and performed a cross checking of assumptions and calculations made. The expert's report focused on the personnel and investments required.

Support in restructuring process in rail freight transport

Customer: Market-leading freight transport company

Against the background of the global economic and financial crisis, a short-term need for a reaction and restructuring arose for a leading company in the freight transport sector. SCI Verkehr GmbH supported the client as a professional expert in close consultation with management. We reviewed the measures developed, compiled alternative scenarios and provided professional support in the negotiations.