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

Identification of targets for realization of external growth

Customer: Globally active component manufacturer

SCI Verkehr assisted a globally active manufacturer of components in identifying targets for the realization of external growth. For this, a quick scan of the worldwide component markets in the railway technology sector was created. Subsequently, the possible targets were identified. Based on SCI Verkehr' s company data base, more than 1,000 manufacturers were picked according to an expert evaluation, assessed in depth based on specific criteria and selected within a deep-dive valuation.

Pre Due Diligence for a strategic investor

Customer: Railway technology company

On behalf of an internationally active strategic investor, SCI Verkehr conducted a pre due diligence investigation in order to evaluate opportunities, possibilities and risks of a takeover of a railway technology company.

Ongoing strategic advice to a logistics service provider on the development of rail products

Customer: Logistics Group

On the basis of its own preliminary studies, SCI Verkehr, together with partners, is supporting a globally active logistics group in the development of its own rail strategy. The activities take place within the framework of the implementation of the group's CO2 targets. Internal quantities are analysed and concrete strategic approaches to shifting are developed.

Market Analyses Examples

Market study maintenance of light rail rapid transit cars

Customer: International maintenance provider for rolling stock

On behalf of a globally active company, SCI Verkehr prepares a market study concerning outsourcing of maintenance tasks of light rail rapid transit cars to a European country.

Freight wagon market research

Customer: Leasing company

On behalf of a leasing company, SCI Verkehr has analysed the development of the freight wagon market of different segments, such as intermodal, steel, automotive, etc. Moreover, it has analysed innovative wagon concepts and components that are expected to change the market in the medium and long terms.

Market and competition analysis for rail vehicles

Customer: international rail vehicle manufacturer

For a leading international rail vehicle manufacturer, SCI Verkehr analysed and forecasted the current and future OEM and after-sales market volume for rail vehicles in 50 selected countries. A competitive analysis complemented the study.

Asset Valuations Examples

Valuation of a European rail vehicle portfolio

Customer: Leasing company

On behalf of a European leasing company, SCI Verkehr valued an extensive portfolio of freight transport and passenger transport vehicles. A DCF valuation of the both used and newly acquired vehicles was carried out according to the IVS standard (2020).

DRC evaluation electric railcar fleet

Customer:

On behalf of an asset financier, SCI Verkehr determines the fair market value and future value-over-time for a new electric multiple unit (EMU) fleet. Value determination is conducted by means of the DRC method. Special focus is put on possibilities of reuse after 15 and 30 years. Results are summarised in a report.

Asset valuation of a modern used freight wagon fleet

Customer:

On behalf of an investor, SCI Verkehr valued a fleet of modern used tank, intermodal and bulk wagons. The valuation of the wagons according to DCF and DRC methodology took into account the wagon-specific supply and demand situation.

Public Consulting Examples

Circle Line / Public-Private-Partnership in public rail transport

Customer: Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr AöR (Transportation authority)

"Circle Line" is the first rail transport project in Germany to be realised primarily as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP). In a consortium comprising DEPFA BANK, the law firm Kapellmann und Partner and the engineering office Vössing GmbH, SCI Verkehr is subjecting the plans to a "PPP suitability test" and preparing the realisation of the first construction phase up to the tendering procedure. SCI Verkehr is carrying out the project management and market research as well as addressing potential interested parties.

Preparation of bidding documents for tenders in Germany

Customer: Local rail transport operator

SCI Verkehr supported a private railway company in the strategic and operational preparation of a bid for transport services in Germany. The aim is to submit an attractive, innovative and cost-efficient offer for rail services, on the basis of which the client will be successful in the competition for the transport service contract. SCI Verkehr performed the conceptual and technical planning, the editorial preparation and operational and organisational support.

Profitability Analyses Examples

Strategy development own fleet

Customer: Global player in the beverage industry

A global player in the beverage industry operates its own truck fleet in order to distribute its products in Germany. SCI Verkehr was commissioned to develop a strategy for the fleet´s further development, taking into account external influences (e.g. transport market) as well as internal structures. The process was closely coordinated with the customer and employee representatives and a joint implementation process was agreed upon.

German urban railway systems

Customer: Private industry

Aufgabenträger

Evaluation of vehicle options to support a local transport tender

Customer: Railway transport company

On behalf of a railway transport company, SCI Verkehr compiled an independent assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of various vehicle options in connection with a local transport tender. The realistic consideration of the potential operation of new and/or second-hand vehicles played an important role in this evaluation.

Process optimisations Examples

Coordination of offer drafting for an SPNV- tender

Customer: Transport company

SCI is accompanying the drafting of an offer in the context of an SPNV-route tender for an expanding transport company. Consultation on project coordination and support for the development of a general organizational, structural and operational model for future tenders are a part of the project. In addition, SCI Verkehr has elaborated the marketing and personnel structures as well as elements of the business concept.

Project management reorganisation sales

Customer: International transport company

On behalf of an international transport company, SCI Verkehr took on the management of a project entailing reorganising the sales department. The project is aimed at developing a uniform sales organisation as well as professionalising the public image. SCI Verkehr supports the customer in organising the project and in terms of content-related sparring.