Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern confirmed that they are in “advanced” merger talks that would create a single U.S railroad with service stretching from the East to the West Coast. The Associated Press reported last week that the companies were discussing a tie-up but neither company acknowledged that until Thursday morning.

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern could announce a merger as early as next week, according to a published report. The post Report: Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern could reach merger deal by next week appeared first on FreightWaves.

Union Pacific , the largest U.S. railroad operator, could reach an agreement to acquire rival Norfolk Southern as soon as early next week, Bloomberg News reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter.