The largest British rail freight company, it was created as a result of the break-up of British Rail during the 1990s. It was acquired by Deutsche Bahn AG on 28 June 2007. Initially it was announced that it would not be rebranded, but on 1 January 2009 EWS, along with DB's other existing freight organisations Railion and their freight logistics organisation Schenker AG were re-branded DB Schenker