DWS, CDPQ Said Near 3 Billion-Euro Deal for France’s Ermewa (1)

DWS Group and Caisse de Depot et Placement du Quebec are nearing a deal to acquire French state railway company SNCF’s leasing unit Ermewa Group, people familiar with the matter said.

DWS, an asset manager controlled by Deutsche Bank AG, and the Canadian pension fund are in advanced negotiations on a potential acquisition of the business, the people said. A deal could value Ermewa at more than 3 billion euros ($3.6 billion), according to the people, who asked not to be identified discussing confidential information.

An agreement could be finalized as soon as this week, the people said. ...