Montana AG Urges ‘No’ To Multibillion Dollar Railroad Merger Deal

You know, one of my favorite games of all time is the game Monopoly. You've got cash, property, utilities, and... railroads.

Interestingly enough, the latest news from the Montana Attorney General's desk feels a lot like that.. well, at least the "monopoly" and "railroad" part.

Two Major Railroad Companies, One $250 Billion Company

In a press release from Union Pacific, it was announced they would be teaming with Norfolk Southern to "create America's first transcontinental tailroad."

According to their press release:

"Under the terms of the agreement, Union Pacific will acquire Norfolk Southern in a stock and cash transaction, implying a value for Norfolk Southern of $320 per share based on Union Pacific’s unaffected closing stock price on July 16, 2025, and representing a 25% premium to Norfolk Southern’s 30-trading day volume weighted average price on July 16, 2025. The value per share implies an enterprise value of $85 billion for Norfolk Southern, resulting in the creation of a combined enterprise of over $250 billion."

Yeah, that's a pretty large deal! And trust me when I say: not everyone is excited about this mammoth of a merger.

Montana AG Urges Board to Shut Down Potential Railroad Monopoly

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen is throwing call for a red flag on the deal, warning the Surface Transportation Board of a potential monopoly.

ALSO READ: 9 Items TSA Will Fine Montanans THOUSANDS For

"At a time when the railroads are prospering financially, there is no reason to create a behemoth railroad that will take more money from farmers, shippers and ultimately consumers in our States and across the country," Attorney General Knudsen wrote in a letter to STB Chairman Patrick Fuchs.

"But history has consistently shown us that these rail mega-mergers deliver exactly the opposite to rural America: fewer routing options, higher captive freight costs, and catastrophic supply chain disruptions."

How Do You Feel About the Potential Merger?

Honest question and if the answer is yes, PLEASE send me an email HERE and let me know: Can a monopoly ever be a good thing?

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I can't think of an instance where it is but I would love to know how the farmers and ranchers of Montana feel about this, especially those who rely on freight lines to transport their wheat, cattle, and other crops.

Share your thoughts with us and let us know what you think.