Swiss Post is expanding its international business in the field of crossborder letter post. In line with this, Swiss Post International (SPI) has purchased TNT International Mail Netherlands, a branch of the Dutch TNT Group. By taking over the company's 25-strong workforce, SPI will further strengthen its European sales network for letter post services. The deal is subject to approval by European competition authorities.

Swiss Post International is to acquire TNT International Mail Netherlands, a subsidiary of the Dutch TNT Group, specialising in the export of commercial letter post services from the Netherlands to other countries. Renamed SPI Netherlands, the new company will occupy the Number Three position in the Dutch market. The workforce of 25 will retain their jobs and continue their activities in the fields of logistics, marketing and product development. As before, mail transport and collection will be outsourced to external partners. This acquisition provides Swiss Post International with an additional market which will allow the company to expand its European sales network and facilitate new customer acquisition. Added to this, SPI will generate an increased volume of letter post for Switzerland and the rest of the world, leading to even greater economies of scale.

As a successful player in an attractive market, TNT International Mail Netherlands is expected to generate even higher revenues over the next few years. Forced to sell off its subsidiary in compliance with the requirements of European competition authorities, the TNT group chose SPI from a large field of potential buyers. The deal is still subject to the approval of European competition authorities, and is expected to become effective within the next few weeks.

With the ongoing liberalisation of international markets, SPI is faced with growing pressure from competitors both in Switzerland and abroad. To remain competitive, Swiss Post must penetrate new markets, promote internal growth and seek new acquisitions and alliances. Having established branches in the UK, Italy, Germany, France and the USA, the company has now turned its attention to the Netherlands. This new move is a further logical step in the strategy of Swiss Post, which aims to consolidate its position as market leader in Switzerland, strengthen its links with the global network, and build a solid distribution structure in key markets in order to remain effective as an independent operator.

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