US transport regulator resumes review of Union Pacific's proposed Norfolk merger

Key facts

• The U.S. Surface Transportation Board has resumed its review of a proposed merger.
• Union Pacific is proposing to merge with Norfolk Southern.
• The proposed merger is valued at $85 billion.
• The review was resumed after supplemental information was submitted by the railroads.
• The Surface Transportation Board stated the supplemental information is now sufficient.
• The resumption of the review does not signal approval of the deal.
• The merger aims to create the first coast-to-coast freight railroad in the United States.

The U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) has officially resumed its review of Union Pacific's proposed merger with Norfolk Southern. The value of this potential deal is estimated at $85 billion. The STB's decision to restart the review comes after the railroads submitted supplemental information that the regulator deemed sufficient to continue the evaluation process. It is crucial to note that this resumption of the review does not constitute approval of the merger itself. The proposed combination seeks to create the first freight railroad network spanning the entire United States, from coast to coast. The STB's role is to assess the potential impacts and viability of such a significant consolidation within the rail industry.