Fret SNCF Dissolved Amidst European Commission Probe

The French freight rail leader will be replaced by Hexafret and Technis, with job cuts and a strategic restructuring plan to avoid hefty EU penalties.

Fret SNCF will cease operations on January 1, 2025, replaced by Hexafret for freight transport and Technis for locomotive maintenance.
The dissolution follows a European Commission investigation into alleged illegal state aid of €5 billion to Fret SNCF between 2005 and 2019.
The restructuring plan, chosen to avoid a €5 billion repayment and potential liquidation, will result in a 10% reduction of the workforce, affecting 500 jobs.
Despite the changes, no layoffs are planned; affected employees will be transferred within the SNCF group.
SNCF's freight activities will open to private investment by 2026, with assurances that SNCF will maintain majority control.