German parcels carrier Hermes Logistik is considering an acquisition in Spain and potentiallyelsewhere to strengthen its European B2C network, according to the company’s management.
Managing director Hanjo Schneider told the Deutsche Verkehrs-Zeitung (DVZ) that in Spain theOtto Group subsidiary was seeking “a solution in the next 12 – 18 months”. The Spanish B2C marketis currently at an early stage of development, according to experts.
Hermes currently covers five countries, representing about 85% of the European B2C market,through its own network, Schneider said. The UK and France are served by Otto Group subsidiariesParcelnet and Mondial Relay, while Hermes started operations in Austria in summer 2007.
In Italy, Hermes bought a 30% holding in Porta a Porta, which is majority-owned by SwissPost, in October 2007. The Swiss postal group, however, might be prepared to split off the Italiancompany’s parcels distribution business, and sell it to Hermes completely, whilst retaining themail and logistics activities, the DVZ reported.
Hermes currently uses partners to deliver to other European destinations. TNT covers theBenelux area, Swiss Post covers Switzerland, and DPD is used for all other markets.
French sister company Mondial Relay last year announced plans to expand into Belgium, Spainand Portugal, while British operator Parcelnet grew with the acquisition of the Redcats couriernetwork last spring.
