Union Pacific has signed an agreement to acquire Norfolk Southern in a stock and cash transaction, at an enterprise value of $85bn, which will result in a combined enterprise worth over $250bn. This strategic move will create the first modern transcontinental railroad in the US,

The largest rail union in the United States said on Tuesday it intends to oppose Union Pacific's proposed $85 billion acquisition of smaller rival Norfolk Southern in regulatory proceedings, citing concerns about how the largest-ever buyout in the sector will affect U.

Union Pacific will acquire Norfolk Southern in an $85 billion deal, creating the first U.S. transcontinental railroad with service spanning 50,000 miles across 43 states.