Norfolk Southern announced an agreement Thursday with Ancora Holdings to keep the investor from launching a repeat of this year’s campaign to take control of the railroad.

Norfolk Southern and activist investor Ancora struck a deal to avert a proxy fight at the railroad. Norfolk's board will expand from 13 members to 14 members as part of the settlement, the railroad said.

The Atlanta-based railroad operator announced Thursday, Nov. 14, that under a cooperation agreement reached following what it termed "constructive engagement," Norfolk Southern and Ancora "will work together to identify an independent director" to join the company's board.

Following the agreement, Ancora will withdraw its nomination of four candidates for election to Norfolk's board, the company said in a statement. Earlier this year, the activist investor nominated seven directors to Norfolk's board and urged the company to replace then-CEO Alan Shaw,

The Cleveland-based investment firm had sought to remove then-CEO Alan Shaw early in 2024, moves before he was eventually ousted by the railroad.

Norfolk Southern will add a new member to its board of directors — the 14th overall and 13th independent director — under a “cooperation agreement” with shareholder Ancora Holdings, NS

Norfolk Southern says it has a deal with Ancora Holdings to keep the investor from launching a repeat of this year’s campaign to take control of the railroad