The day after confirming that it had made an offer to Norfolk Southern—and following NS’s tepid response—Canadian Pacific on Nov. 18, 2015 disclosed the contents of the offer letter it sent to NS chief executive Jim Squires “to clarify the details of a proposal that would result in the creation of a pro-competitive, pro-customer, coast-to-coast transportation solution.”
It’s official: Canadian Pacific on Nov. 17, 2015 sent an offer letter to Norfolk Southern proposing a merger (an acquisition, really) “that would create a transcontinental railroad with the scale and reach to deliver improved levels of service to customers and communities while enhancing competition and creating significant shareholder value.” On Nov. 18, CP, in response to NS’s tepid response to the initial offer, provided “full disclosure.”
Few obstacles bedevil railroads as has the Mississippi River. Spanning it was the nation’s first rail bridge in 1856—promptly assaulted by steamboat Effie Afton. While the bridge was repaired and more constructed, the river remains a problematic divide, separating, with few exceptions, eastern railroads from those operating in the West and producing grueling interchange bottlenecks at Chicago.
Canadian Pacific Railway has held early-stage merger talks with Norfolk Southern and is raising financing for an acquisition, according to Nov. 9, 2015 news reports citing confidential sources at both carriers. NS stock jumped 11%, the most since 2008, to $88.62 at the close of the New York Stock Exchange, while CP’s 5.7% rally to C$188.79 on the Toronto Stock Exchange was its biggest gain since 2013.
Continuing a tradition of smooth leadership transitions, Norfolk Southern Executive Chairman Charles W. “Wick” Moorman will be stepping down effective Oct. 1, 2015. President and CEO James A. Squires will become Chairman.
Norfolk Southern’s (NS) Whistle-Stop Safety Train continues its journey this week, traveling through Ohio August 4-6, 2015 to deliver a life-saving message to motorists and pedestrians about staying safe around the tracks.
“Short-term pressure,” in the words of President and CEO Jim Squires, contributed to Norfolk Southern on July 27, 2015 posting second-quarter 2015 financials with significant declines in net income, operating revenues and earnings per share, and an operating ratio that rose 350 basis points.