WH Smith has sold its distribution arm to ABN (subject to shareholder approval). The sale includes the distribution division and Connect2U, a web-based communication and customer service platform, which links UK retailers,
wholesalers, manufacturers and publishers. The distribution division is the UK’s largest wholesaler of newspapers and magazines, with 33 per cent and 36 per cent market shares respectively.
Consignia is undertaking a major review of its use of road, rail and air transport. The new holding company for the UK Post Office, including Royal Mail and Parcelforce Worldwide, recognises it will have to provide faster, cheaper and more reliable services in future as competition intensifies.
Consignia moves 500,000 parcels and 80m letters a day, a quarter of the letters by rail. It operates 60 trains and 40 air services a night.
UK Post Office letters delivered daily (millions)
Road (long distance) 35, Road (local) 20, Rail 20, Air 5, Total 80
Europe’s post offices are trying to leverage their mail-delivery and other services to make a mark on the Internet. With their combination of delivery networks and banking services, post offices across Europe are uniquely positioned to be key e-commerce players. And many are moving to add Internet-based services.
Read MoreThe Irish government plans to put pressure on banks to provide up to £15m in business for rural sub-post offices over the next five years.
Read MoreRoyal Mail managing director Richard Dykes is resigning next month after two years of poor performance that have seen mail volumes drop and performance targets go unmet. He is to be replaced by Jerry Cope, Consignia’s head of strategy and business development.
Read MoreRivals are queueing for a slice of the Post Office business but the letter delivery service is steeped in the past
Read MoreTPG and Poste Italiane signed a contract for the establishment of a strategic alliance.
Read MoreJuly 6 2001 – Correos y Telegrafos (Spanish Post)has announced the formation of a joint venture with La Poste (France) in which Spanish post has a majority holding. The company will be an express parcel carrier.
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