Target Express has opened a new depot in Birmingham, which is expected to triple its capacity in the city. The 42,000 sq ft depot at Star City, close to Birminghams city-centre became fully operational on 22 May 2006. Target Express currently operates fifty-one depots throughout the UK and Ireland.
Read MoreWhether by acquisition, joint venture or alliance, consolidation in the third-party logistics (3PL) segment has been an almost daily occurrence over the last couple of years. This is one area where the global nature of logistics is clearly demonstrated.
Recent news that the European Court of Justice ruled the Dutch government’s “golden share” in TNT was illegal could facilitate two more acquisitions this year. TNT had announced its intent to exit the logistics business and concentrate on express and mail where margins are stronger. But, no word has surfaced on a potential buyer. German investor Cornelius Geber had expressed an interest in TNT, but his focus was on mail and express, not logistics.
The court ruling on the golden share defense could make TNT itself more attractive as a takeover target. Geber has not yet made any noises about reviving his interest in the company, but industry watchers note FedEx or UPS could be among prospective bidders for the express business. In fact, both have been jockeying for better global positions through expansions in Asia and Europe.
Read MorePortuguese postal service CTT-Correios de Portugal registered a 65.4 pct year-on-year decline in its 2005 profit to 17.3 mln euro ($22.07 mln), data from Portuguese news portal Diario Digital showed on June 30, 2006.
Read MorePost Office counter staff have overwhelmingly rejected a 2.4pc pay offer, opening up a second front in the Royal Mail’s ongoing dispute with the Communication Workers Union.
National officer Andy Furey warned that a refusal to sweeten the offer could lead to a ballot over industrial action by more than 7,000 counter services and cash-in-transit staff.
In a consultative ballot, 91pc of votes were cast against accepting the Post Office’s offer.
Read MoreTNT Germany at Bern said that the German mail market was 10 billion Euros with 40% liberalised. There is no real competition and no clear time table for liberalisation. TNT want the German regulator to ensure the level playing field and fair play and not manage competition.
If the regulator sets out subscribed models then he restricts innovation, which was his major comment.
Paul J
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