GeoPost, La Poste’s express parcel subsidiary, has invested in Worldnet Direct, a UK-based start-upfirm offering international delivery for online retailers, in its latest B2C expansion move.
The size of the stake was not disclosed but Worldnet will continue to operate as a standalonebusiness while benefiting from access to the resources and support of its global partner. TheWorldnet service will initially operate from the UK, available directly from Worldnet and alsothrough the two UK GeoPost brands, DPD UK and Interlink Express. Over time the model will berolled out across Europe.
GeoPost has recently increased its stake in Shutl, the British same-day home deliverycompany, to 6 per cent, while DPD, its majority-owned European parcels business, is extending B2Cdelivery services in major markets.
Stuart Hill, Managing Director of Worldnet, said: “Worldnet Direct was brought to market in2012 to fill a gap in the international delivery market. Whilst we have now completed over 3million 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 stepfor us.”
Hill, who previously managed ASOS’ international operations and also worked for majorretailer John Lewis, added: “GeoPost represents an ideal partner for Worldnet and they see ourflexibility as a real benefit; by behaving nimbly we are able to keep pace with the market anddevelop innovative solutions. From a UK perspective, working with DPD UK means we are able toaccess one of the most skilled and sizeable sales teams in the marketplace. As a corporate partnerwe are confident that GeoPost will enable us to grow at an expedited pace and make a real andpositive impact on the industry. ”
Despite the full launch not being scheduled until early 2013 a number of retailers arealready working with Worldnet. The company has worked with ASOS since 2011 to help itsinternational expansion. Its Express Direct service uses a number of “best-in-class independentdelivery partners” for local deliveries in the destination markets. Earlier this year it launched aservice to Australia.
Hilton Eachus, Head of Delivery Solutions at ASOS, said: “The difference with Worldnet isthat they have developed a service which fits the needs of retailers considering internationalexpansion…the service fits the retailer rather than the other way around. Basically the servicehas been developed specifically for ecommerce which is key.”
According to Worldnet, DPD is keen to take advantage of the unique service attributes such asthe cost-effective return solutions and the paperless customs service which can help mitigate anyissues occurring at this stage of the process.
Iain Johnson, Chief Operating Officer, GeoPost International, said: “GeoPost is excitedto be able to support Worldnet and their approach fits very well with what we are already doing inboth our domestic and international markets. There is no question that e-commerce will continue tobe of increasing importance as a driver of international parcel volumes and staying innovative inthe retail space is key. The strong management team and business model that Worldnet has provides agreat platform from which to shape the future of international e-commerce fulfilment.”
Dwain McDonald, Chief Executive Officer, GeoPost UK commented: “GeoPost has a verystrong reputation for being innovative and for the quality of our international network. Thepartnership with Worldnet is therefore an excellent fit and we look forward to providing ourcustomers with an even wider range of value-added services that will help them grow theirbusinesses in export markets.”
