The purchase price was not disclosed.

ITL, which has subsidiaries in the Netherlands, Czech Republic and Poland, had sales of 45 million euros last year and posted gross operating profit of 3.7 million, SNCF said.

The German business employs 160 people and is very active in the transport of hydrocarbons, chemicals, cereals and raw materials.

On Sunday, Guillaume Pepy, SNCF chairman, announced that the company plans to launch a 135 euros per share offer for the 57 pct it does not already own in French logistics group Geodis.

See also:

SNCF make €1.1bn offer for Geodis

IGD: 9 Apr 2008

In an attempt by SNCF to address heavy-losses in its freight business, the French state-owned rail operator has made a cash offer for Geodis, valuing the logistics group at €1.1bn.

Established formerly as the road-freight subsidiary of SNCF, Geodis was privatised in 1996. The acquisition would herald the re-nationalisation of the logistics group after 12 years.

SNCF has for many years been Geodis' main shareholder and currently holds 42.37% of its share capital and 45.79% of its voting rights. With the bid valuing Geodis at €1.1bn, it would cost SNCF €600 million for the outstanding shares.

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Allianz's AGF says will tender 5 percent Geodis stake to SNCF takeover offer

Thomson Financial: 04.09.08

PARIS - French insurer AGF, part of Allianz SE, said it will tender its 5.01 percent stake in logistics group Geodis to the takeover offer of French rail operator SNCF.

State-owned SNCF announced on Sunday plans to offer 135 euros per share for the rest of Geodis, in a deal worth 600 million euros.

SNCF already has a 42 percent stake in the logistics company.

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French railway co SNCF ratings unchanged so far after acquisition plans

Thomson Financial: April 10, 2008

LONDON -- Standard & Poor's Ratings Services said its ratings and outlook on French state-owned national railway company Societe Nationale des Chemins de Fer Francais (SNFC) remain unchanged for now following the company's offer to acquire Geodis, a French logistics company, for about 600 million euros in cash.

SNCF, which is rated 'AAA' and 'A-1+' with a stable outlook, had also announced its plans to acquire a majority stake in German logistics company Import Transport Logistik for an undisclosed amount.

These acquisitions reflect SNCF's heightened ambition to develop its logistics operations as its main markets are opening up to competition, the ratings agency said.