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

Extension of a port terminal

Customer: Port Company

A terminal for combined transport in a German domestic port was to be rehabilitated and extended. SCI Verkehr prepared the application for public funding. The need for the measure was justified, competition to other terminals and economic efficiency analysed. In addition, SCI Verkehr attended the following procedure of approval and allocation of public funding.

Commercial Due Diligence process to acquire a freight car leasing company

Customer: International Infrastructure Manager

SCI Verkehr assists an internationally active infrastructure manager in a CDD process, to acquire a freight car leasing company. Business plan assumptions and the target's growth strategy are reviewed.

Market analysis wheelsets in Europe and China

Customer: Component manufacturer

For a European manufacturer of rail vehicle components, SCI Verkehr analysed the market and competitive landscape in the European and Chinese market for wheelsets. Recommendations for the market entry strategy in the Chinese market complemented the market and competition analysis.

Market Analyses Examples

Support in restructuring process in rail freight transport

Customer: International leading company in rail freight transport

SCI Verkehr supported a leading European rail freight transport company in central restructuring processes. For this purpose, SCI Verkehr developed own and analysed existing market expectations. At the same time, benchmarks regarding the entrepreneurial organisation of production and sales units were been developed. SCI Verkehr prepared, accompanied and evaluated the processes for implementing the restructuring.

Competition analysis rail vehicle components

Customer: Asian component manufacturer

On behalf of an Asian manufacturer, SCI Verkehr analysed the competition in the worldwide market for rail vehicle door systems.

Outlook for future rail vehicle projects

Customer: Vehicle manufacturer

On behalf of a client, SCI Verkehr compiles an overview of future (potential) rail vehicle projects, that have not yet been awarded. This is regularly updated and contains, among other things, tenders, announcements and options.

Asset Valuations Examples

Asset valuation Electric Multiple Units (EMU)

Customer: Investment Bank

On behalf of a financing bank, SCI Verkehr assessed the fair value for a fleet of electric multiple units (EMU). The valuation based on the Depreciated Replacement Cost (DRC) method. In this context, long-term possibilities for reuse of the multiple units in Europe were also considered. A particular focus of the evaluation was the assessment of the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic on the market environment in rail passenger transport.

Valuation of a fleet of modular wagons

Customer: European leasing company

SCI Verkehr carried out a valuation for a modern freight wagon fleet on behalf of a European leasing company. Particular focus was put on the modular design of the wagons. The valuation was carried out using the cost-based RC and the income-based DCF method according to IVS 2022. In addition, SCI Verkehr provided the value development of the fleet over the next 15 years.

Fleet assessment diesel multiple units (DMUs)

Customer: Leasing company

On behalf of a leasing company, SCI Verkehr determines fair market value and future value-over-time of a new DMU fleet. Valuation is conducted by means of the DRC method. Special focus is put on the benchmark of the purchase and assessment of guarantees given by authorities. The results are summarised in a report.

Public Consulting Examples

Relevance and Perspectives of Rail Traffic - Campaign for Innovation and Employment in the German Federal State of Saxony-Anhalt

Customer: Ministry for Housing, Urban Development and Traffic of Saxony-Anhalt

Analysis and assessment of rail related employment, trends of development, strengths and weaknesses of rail related companies in Saxony-Anhalt, options for action.

Cost-benefit study RRX

Customer: State of North Rhine-Westphalia

On behalf of the Ministry for Economic Affairs, Energy, Building, Housing and Transport of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia (MBWSV) and CP Compartners, SCI Verkehr developed a cost-benefit study for the Rhein-Ruhr-Express (RRX). For this, SCI Verkehr assessed the macroeconomic benefit of the RRX for NRW based on the areas of mobility, economy, environment and social affairs. In addition to evaluating existing data regarding e.g. transport and population development, experts from various institutions were interviewed. The results were published in a study and further discussed with the experts.

Profitability Analyses Examples

Review of the pricing strategy of a leasing company

Customer: European leasing company

On behalf of a European leasing company, SCI Verkehr analysed its internal pricing strategy. In this context, SCI Verkehr analysed CAPEX, OPEX and financing conditions.

Analysis of cost reduction needs for a rail infrastructure company

Customer: Maintenance Company

First, the cost reduction needs of selected rail infrastructure maintenance target markets were closely examined. In addition, recommendations were made for the market entry activities of an infrastructure maintenance service company were derived.

Process optimisations Examples

Maintenance location and portfolio assessment

Customer: maintenance specialist

Definitions of the optimal location and performance for a vehicle workshop in western North Rhine Westphalia.

Supporting a terminal operator in its appeal against the rejection of an application for funding

Customer: Terminal operator

An application for funding by a midsized intermodal terminal operator was rejected by the authorisation authority responsible. SCI Verkehr advised the client on all important aspects of the upcoming appeal proceedings and prepared the reasoning for the appeal. Furthermore, in order to develop a strategy with optimum chances of success, SCI Verkehr gathered additional information on the chances of success of the proceedings and on the optimum course of action by means of background discussions in political circles.

Process and organizational consulting in IT

Customer:

A global player in the beverage industry is planning to restructure its IT and support departments and subsequently establish them in Europe. SCI Verkehr was commissioned to review and further develop this strategy, and to accompany the negotiations with the employee representatives.