Deutsche Post fights for Transoflex

Deutsche Post AG, the German postal service, is convinced that its proposed bid for a 100 per cent stake in express delivery group Transoflex will go forward in spite of a clear rejection by Germany’s competition regulator. The anti-trust office has opposed the deal on the grounds that it would create a position of market dominance for Deutsche Post in business parcels and strengthen its existing domination of the market for mail order.

The ruling affects both the 24.8 per cent stake acquired in July 1997 and the more recent lifting of this holding to 100 per cent. Deutsche Post has reacted by saying it will appeal against the decision and pursue the matter in the courts, for years if necessary. It is adamant that between its activities and those of Transoflex there is no overlap.