Belgian govt seeks partner for national post service La Poste
The Belgian state said it has started its search for a strategic partner for the country’s post service La Poste.
‘Following a decision taken by the Belgian state in October 2004 — that La Poste will seek an alliance with a strategic partner — the Belgian state has decided to formally launch the process for such a strategic partnership,’ said the ministry of state-owned enterprises in a statement.
The future partner is invited to take ‘a significant equity interest’ in the company, but the Belgian state will remain majority shareholder.
The part-privatisation will lead to the ‘strengthening of La Poste’s financial situation, the strengthening of its core business activities and the assistance in the overall modernisation’.
Morgan Stanley has been appointed advisor for the deal.
Interest is expected from the French, German and British national post operators, with Dutch group TPG NV reaffirming its interest yesterday.
