Deutsche Post keen to expand abroad

Deutsche Post, the German postal service operator, is keen to expand its international operations. The company says that it is examining the possibility of acquiring a stake in both the Italian postal service operator, Poste Italiane, and the postal service of the United Arab Emirates, Emirates Post. According to press reports, Emirates Post is preparing for privatisation. Deutsche Post already cooperates with this company, which is said to be profitable. Silvio Berlusconi, the Italian prime minister, has said that Poste Italiane will be partially privatised within the next 18 months. The latest figures show that this company has more than doubled its profit to 236m euros, while growth of 11 per cent has been achieved in turnover, to 9bn euros.

Deutsche Post has also submitted a bid for the 25 per cent stake that is for sale in Post Danmark, the Danish postal service. Investment company CVC Capital Partners has also made a bid, as has TPG, the Dutch competitor of Deutsche Post. However, Deutsche Post is thought to be the most likely candidate to be successful, as it already cooperates with Post Danmark in business with parcels. A decision is expected to be made in the near future.