Parcel delivery company GeoPost has taken a stake in logistics company Worldnet Direct, which has developed an international delivery solution aimed specifically at online retailers.
The investment comes as Worldnet brings to market a solution that will at first operate from the UK, available through Worldnet directly and also through DPD UK and Internet Express, both part of the GeoPost group. In time it will be rolled out across Europe.
The solution, due for full launch early next year, is already operating with early customers including Asos. Worldnet managing director and co-founder Stuart Hill is a former head of international logistics at Asos and the fashion retailer has been a partner since 2011.
Stuart Hill, managing director of Worldnet, said: “Whilst we have now completed over three million deliveries with major online retailers such as Asos we are still a very young company. Having GeoPost as an investor and benefiting from the DPD brand reputation is a significant step for us.
“GeoPost represents an ideal partner for Worldnet and they see our flexibility as a real benefit; by behaving nimbly we are able to keep pace with the market and develop innovative solutions. From a UK perspective, working with DPD UK means we are able to access one of the most skilled and sizeable sales teams in the marketplace. As a corporate partner we are confident that GeoPost will enable us to grow at an expedited pace and make a real and positive impact on the industry. ”
Following the investment, Worldnet continues as a standalone business, with access to GeoPost’s global resources, including its sales teams.
Iain Johnson, chief operating officer, GeoPost International said: “There is no question that e-commerce will continue to be of increasing importance as a driver of international parcel volumes and staying innovative in the retail space is key. The strong management team and business model that Worldnet has provides a great platform from which to shape the future of international ecommerce fulfilment.”
Dwain McDonald, chief executive officer at GeoPost UK, said: “We look forward to providing our customers with an even wider range of value-added services that will help them grow their businesses in export markets.”
