French carrier SNCF Logistics’ purchase of 45 per cent of BLS Cargo’s shares has been approved by the competition authorities in Switzerland and Germany, and the two companies’ collaboration will officially take effect from July 1.

The deal, which will give SNCF a stronger presence in the Swiss region, was first announced in February but was subject to the approval of the relevant authorities. Both competition authorities have now agreed to the sale, and as of July 1 BLS will own 52 per cent of its shares, SNCF 45 per cent and the Ambrogio Group three per cent.

The collaboration between SNCF, its Captrain subsidiaries and BLS Cargo will further strengthen the group’s successful business on the north-south European freight corridor, while customers will benefit from expanded cross-border operations.