PostNL plans to buy one of its competitors, Sandd, with the aim of creating a single national network in the Netherlands.
The company expects the transaction to lead to €50 to €60 million in cost savings from combining operations and add 720 million mail items to its volume.
PostNL said it would offer to employ all former Sandd mail deliverers, while claiming it would look for opportunities within PostNL or “alternatives”.
The company said in a statement that the consolidation was “essential” to achieving a “reliable, accessible and affordable” postal service. It will look to combine central functions and optimise the sorting process.
Herna Verhagen, CEO of PostNL: “This proposed transaction will secure the foundation for a sustainable postal service in the Netherlands. Combining the two national postal networks is of vital importance for the postal market in the Netherlands to remain reliable, affordable, innovative and accessible for everyone.
“It will also serve increased long-term employment security for mail deliverers. This has always been an important objective of our efforts.”
Ronald van de Laar, MD of Sandd Holding: “I am very proud of what has been achieved by my colleagues following the liberalisation of the postal market. In responding to the ever-decreasing mail volumes in the Netherlands caused by digitalisation, we need to be realistic.
“For this reason, opting for one strong national postal network is the best long-term solution for the consumer, the business sector and for employees. It is the only solution if we are to guarantee the continuity of the postal service in the Netherlands. Issues affecting the integration of our networks and our employees will also be carefully discussed between us. The sooner we receive the necessary approval, the better it will be for all parties involved.”
As well as having its own operations across the Benelux region, PostNL owns a 17.5% stake in UK parcel company Whistl.
PostNL said last week it would stop working with third party contractors for its delivery centre staff, hiring temporary workers instead. The decision came a week after the Dutch trade union FNV accused Tempo Team, which provides contract workers to PostNL, of evading the company’s collective labour agreements.
