FedEx Express today completed the acquisition of the Polish courier company Opek as the latest stepin its growth strategy in Europe following the takeover of French domestic express operator TATEX
last month.The addition of the Opek business to the FedEx Express network will deliver an excellentextension to the Polish service portfolio of both companies and will provide customers with morecomprehensive international and domestic service options, FedEx announced.
With the transaction, FedEx Express gains access to a nationwide domestic ground network withan estimated $70 million in annual revenue and 12.5 million shipments annually. In return, Opekcustomers get direct access to the global FedEx network.
“With Poland being one of the leading economies in Central and Eastern Europe, the Polishmarket offers tremendous opportunities for customers wishing to explore new markets and increasetheir business. The strong position of the Polish economy and tremendous popularity of e-commercehave both contributed to increasing demand for shipping services. We view Poland as a key marketfor investment and growth,” said Michael L. Ducker, chief operating officer, FedEx Express.
“FedEx entered the Polish market in 1989 and we have been continuously expanding ourservices since then. This acquisition is another important step to expanding our presence andaccelerating growth in this exciting region,” said Gerald P. Leary, president, FedEx ExpressEurope, Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa. “FedEx is committed to providing an excellentcustomer service as well as an outstanding workplace environment. Therefore we welcome Opek´semployees to our global FedEx team.”
“This acquisition is an important milestone for our customers as well as for our employeesand couriers. Our customers will benefit from direct access to the worldwide FedEx network and ourteam members will become part of one of the world´s most admired companies. With this transaction,a new era of our company history begins,” said Marek Opinski, general director, Opek.
Opek has been a family-owned company that was founded in 1994. It has built awell-established network which covers the entire country. The company operates an automated hub inLomianki, near Warsaw, and additional hubs in Lodz and Katowice. In total, Opek operates 44stations throughout Poland. More than 1,200 employees work for Opek and the company engages morethan 1,300 contracted drivers.
