TPG calls for European post markets to open up as Deutsche Post enters Holland

TPG NV called on the Dutch government to push for

liberalisation of other European post markets amid signs European operators are cashing in on the progress in Dutch liberalisation without opening up to competition in their own markets.

TPG said it is in favour of European liberalisation, provided “there is a level playing field in an international context”. The company noted that the French market “continues to be completely inaccessible to foreign postal companies”.

“If the (Dutch) government allows other foreign players to enter attractive bits of the market, without foreign markets opening up to competition in the same way, there is a risk that Dutch consumers will lose out in the end,” said Harry Koorstra, TPG board member responsible for mail activities, in a press release.

TPG said it is “not surprised” by Deutsche Post’s announcement today that it will move into the Dutch post market via a joint venture with Wegener NV.

“We had been getting signs for some time that this acquisition was about to happen,” said Koorstra.

“However, it’s striking that this is the first time Deutsche Post acquires a mail company,” said Koorstra. “Until now, their focus had been mainly on parcels distribution. As one of the most liberalised postal markets in Europe, the Dutch market is a favoured playing field.”

Deutsche Post will take a majority stake in Interlanden, a unit of Wegener specialized in indirect mail and marketing. The companies will also work together on delivery of addressed mail.

TPG estimates the Dutch indirect mail market is worth 220 mln eur per year. TPG units Netwerk VSP and TPG Post generated turnover of 123 mln eur last year in the indirect mail market.

The UK’s Royal Mail, France’s La Poste and Swiss Post are currently also active in the Dutch market.

TPG Post operates in seven countries outside the Netherlands.

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market size data from this article:
TPG estimates the Dutch indirect mail market is worth 220 mln eur per year. TPG units Netwerk VSP and TPG Post generated turnover of 123 mln eur last year in the indirect mail market.