bpost and PostNL end negotiations

Netherland’s PostNL has held talks with Belgium’s bpost regarding a possible tie-up – but no agreement was reached. In statement sent to Post&Parcel yesterday (Sunday, 29 May) the Dutch company said:”PostNL confirms that it has conducted negotiations with bpost regarding a possible combination of the two companies through a friendly public offer by bpost on all shares of PostNL.

“These negotiations have, in the end, not led to agreement on the terms of such a transaction.”

This is not the first time that bpost has considered the idea of linking up with PostNL. There has been speculation in the local media that PostNL turned down bpost’s offer because it had reservations over the Belgian state’s controlling 51.2% stake in bpost. It has been reported that bpost will now look at other possible acquisitions in the market.