Six years after TNT bought the logistics business from CSX Corp., the Dutch company is looking to sell the second-largest contracts logistics company in the world.
The intent to sell was announced toward the end of last year, and although the company refuses to divulge who has expressed an interest, industry observers have floated a variety of names, including big players like UPS.
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 MoreTNT Logistics North America has extended its contract with US Ford Motor Company for the delivery of logistics services for the F-series truck plant in Kansas City, USA, TNT Logistics said on June 20, 2006. The extended contract between TNT Logistics and Ford, which have been cooperating since 2002, expires in 2009. TNT is the biggest supplier of logistics services for Ford in Kansas City, TNT said. The logistics company is responsible for the sequencing and transportation from three facilities encompassing more than 200,000 sq m of warehouse space.
Read MoreTNT Logistics has extended its UK distribution contract with Akzo Nobel Decorative Coatings and delivered a new vehicle fleet. TNT Logistics and parent Dutch chemical group Akzo Nobel NV have been cooperating for 22 years. The current deal extends TNT Logistics’ northern UK distribution contract for additional three years and its southern distribution contract until 2010.
Read MoreThe Disney Store Ltd has awarded TNT Logistics its UK distribution contract – and TNT is utilising vehicles assigned to another customer to benefit both of its clients. The TNT liveried vehicles are used to deliver Nissan Renault spare parts to 450 dealerships throughout the UK at night, and then part of the fleet is used to deliver merchandise to the 59 Disney stores in the UK during the day.
“Both clients are based at Magna Park in the Midlands and by maximising the use of the vehicles, we are reducing costs for everyone,” says Rob McWhirter, Managing Director Business Development, TNT Logistics UK Ltd.
Post & Parcel Magazine is our print publication, released 3 times a year. Packed with original content and thought-provoking features, Post & Parcel Magazine is a must-read for those who want the inside track on the industry.
