Japan Post allies with GeoPost to launch cross-border e-commerce service
Japan Post is forming an alliance with La Poste’s international parcel-express company GeoPost to further its ambitions in the e-commerce space. As part of the deal the Japanese postal operator will for the first time in its history invest in a non-Japanese company.
Japan Post has agreed to buy a 14.9% stake in Hong Kong-based global logistics provider Lenton Group, in which GeoPost holds a 34.7% stake.
Lenton Group was founded in the year 2000 operating a global logistics network through airlines including Cathay Pacific Airways, Dragonair and Air China.
The company operates in more than 25 countries across the world through subsidiaries Linex, RPX and Wako, providing services including distribution, international gateway operation and final delivery for clients including industrial firms and e-tailers.
In a joint statement, the companies said the alliance with GeoPost and Lenton Group will represent the next step for Japan Post in seeking a bigger presence in e-commerce logistics, particularly in the Asian market.
Service launch
It is expected to pave the way for Japan Post to launch a new international delivery service for the booming e-commerce sector, combining with the cross-border logistics network run by Lenton, and the international parcel-express delivery network run by GeoPost, which operates through brands including DPD, SEUR, Chronopost and Exapaq.
“Japan Post is aiming to establish a strong market position as a global player in logistics primarily focused on Asia. Japan Post will begin its activities in the Asian growth market based on the alliance with these experienced international partners,” the firms said.
“This autumn, Japan Post will add a new global delivery service that will include customs duties paid in advance and incorporate other value-added services, to offer its customers a consistent quality service at reasonable prices.”
Japan Post said it would add a high-quality delivery service to its existing portfolio of services for customers, to establish a “significant” position in a new market.
