Oesterreichische Post says no plans to cooperate with Deutsche Post’s DHL

Oesterreichische Post has no plans to cooperate with Deutsche Post World Net AG’s express courier unit DHL and will continue working with Austria’s DPD delivery service, chief executive Anton Wais told the Financial Times Deutschland.

Earlier press reports had stated the Austrian state mail carrier would cooperate with DHL as part of a strategic partnership. Previously, Deutsche Post failed in an attempt to purchase a 25 pct stake in Oesterreichische Post, the press reports had added.

Wais told the Financial Times Deutschland that Oesterreichische Post currently does not need a partner. He does not expect privatisation until after the Austrian parliamentary elections of 2006, he said.

However, he does see the need for a partner, possibly Deutsche Post, in the logistics division after the EU liberalises the postal service market in 2006 or 2007.