Arriva owner Deutsche Bahn has issued an expression of interest (EOI) to sale the company. Deutsche Bahn announced the sale in an ad published in financial time.

Arriva is a major train operator in the UK with over 14 years of experience in providing passenger rail services. Arriva is a major train operator in the UK with over 14 years experience in providing passenger rail services. Arriva runs their rail franchises and two rail contracts that cover 22 percent of the entire network, as well as the UK's first modern light rail service. Arriva operates the Northern franchise, the second largest rail franchise in the UK, and runs regional and commuter services across the region.

 Deutsche Bahn is working with Citi and Deutsche Bank on the sale.

The deadline to respond to the EOI was May 3, 2019. Deutsche Bahn is open to sell Arriva to one or multiple parties, with flotation also considered an option.