CP to fully buy Detroit River Rail Tunnel

CALGARY – Canadian Pacific and OMERS, the defined benefit pension plan for municipal employees in the province of Ontario, have entered into a purchase agreement whereby CP will acquire full ownership of the Detroit River Rail Tunnel from OMERS affiliates.

The purchase price for the transaction is approximately US$312 million, subject to customary closing adjustments.

CP previously owned a 16.5 percent stake of the tunnel in partnership with OMERS.

The 2.6-kilometre tunnel linking Windsor and Detroit will continue to be operated by CP. The acquisition of the tunnel will reduce CP’s operating costs related to movements through the tunnel.

“This is an important corridor for CP and by taking full ownership, we can better operate the asset to the benefit of our customers and the North American supply chain,” said CP president and CEO Keith Creel.

“This acquisition combined with our recent purchase of the CMQ [Central Maine & Québec Railway] will further integrate the eastern part of our network and create value for our shareholders.”

“OMERS first invested in the Detroit River Tunnel Partnership in 2001. We are very proud of the value we have created with this investment for OMERS members,” said Michael Ryder, senior managing director and head of Americas for OMERS Infrastructure.

“Our work with CP represents a strong example of our global investment approach in action – collaborating with a trusted strategic partner as long-term owners and developers of a major international transportation link.”

The transaction is currently expected to close at the end of Q4 2020 and remains subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.