OmniTRAX acquiring CN Manitoba network

Railway Age, Jan, 1997

Canadian National expects to close this May on sale of its 810-mile northern Manitoba network to OmniTRAX, a unit of Colorado-based Broe Companies. CN's Manitoba operation consists of three separate lines that carried 1.2 million revenue tons of freight last year, mostly grain, forest products, and minerals.

OmniTRAX manages the rail operations of 11 U.S. short lines and has been seeking a Canadian acquisition. Dwight Johnson, OmniTRAX president, said his company believes the short line industry in Canada "will mature into a significant business sector. This acquisition, and those to come, positions OmniTRAX to share in this anticipated growth in synergy with Canada's largest Class I railroad and in a province whose economy is highly dependent on efficient and effective railway operations."