Jackson Walker announces the representation of County Line Rail (CLR), a privately owned rail yard operator, in the acquisition of the Sabine River & Northern Railroad (SRN). This strategic acquisition marks a significant expansion for CLR, enhancing its rail services and operational capabilities in East Texas.
The SRN, a 40-mile shortline railroad, has been a vital freight service provider in East Texas since its founding in 1965. Operating from Bessmay to Echo, Texas, with a branch line extending from Buna to Evandale, the SRN connects with three major Class I carriers: Canadian Pacific Kansas City, Union Pacific, and Burlington Northern Santa Fe.
With this acquisition, CLR plans to revitalize the SRN by upgrading it to meet Class II standards, which will help alleviate rail congestion around Beaumont and expand service offerings. These enhancements will include railcar storage, transloading, railcar cleaning, and improved access to Class I carriers.
“We are thrilled to have represented County Line Rail in this significant acquisition,” said Jackson Walker partner Bowman Givhan. “This transaction not only strengthens CLR’s position in the rail industry but also supports the economic growth of East Texas. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of this acquisition on the region and CLR’s continued success.”
Jesse Lotay, head of Jackson Walker’s Energy Practice, added: “This acquisition demonstrates the complex, cross-sector work our energy infrastructure team excels at — combining corporate, regulatory, real estate, and environmental expertise. Our clients benefit from an integrated, value-add approach that reflects the reality of modern energy infrastructure development, together with over a century of Jackson Walker attorneys leading the energy sector across Texas and nationwide.”
CLR was represented by a Jackson Walker team led by Corporate & Securities partners Bowman Givhan and Mario Perez Dolan, and including attorneys Brad Lowry, Greta Cowart, Peter Wahl, John Jansonius, Aaron Pinegar, and Amanda Miller. For more information, see “County Line Rail acquires Sabine River & Northern Railroad” by FreightWaves.
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