CSX Chief Executive Open to Deal as Rivals Pursue Mega Merger

The chief executive officer of freight rail operator CSX Corp. is focused on generating returns from improved efficiency and performance — but he’s also open to merger prospects as industry rivals consolidate.

“I’m open to any path that can create shareholder value,” Steve Angel, president and CEO of CSX, said in an interview Thursday. Ancora Holdings Group took a stake in the company prior to Angel’s arrival in September, with the activist investment firm stating that the railroad should pursue a merger.

Angel acknowledged that the proposed $72 billion merger between peers Union Pacific Corp. and Norfolk Southern ...