FedEx today completed the acquisition of French domestic express operator TATEX and announcedthe introduction of quieter B777 freighters on Asia routes to its Central European hub at
Cologne/Bonn airport.The TATEX acquisition represents the latest step in the strategy to sustainably grow in Europe,FedEx stated. The transaction gives FedEx access to a nationwide domestic ground network whichcarries 19 million shipments and produces approximately €150 million in revenuesannually. TATEX is known for providing high-performance services to the high tech, spareparts, automotive and clothing industries. In return, TATEX customers will gain direct access tothe global FedEx network.
“FedEx has always recognised the importance of Europe and its many unique marketplaces to globaltrade, and our most recent investments in France demonstrate that we are systematically expandingour network and value proposition in this market,” said Frederick W. Smith, chairman, president andchief executive officer of FedEx Corp. “France has always been a key market for FedEx and thisacquisition enables us to further strengthen our position in one of Europe’s largesteconomies. France offers tremendous opportunities for companies wishing to explore new marketsand increase their business.”
“We are increasing our capabilities in France in a smart and sustainable way by adding newstations, expanding existing facilities, growing our flight network and this strategicacquisition,” said Gerald P. Leary, president, FedEx Express Europe, Middle East, IndianSubcontinent and Africa (EMEA). “During our fiscal year 2012, which ended in May, we opened 19stations and added four new B757 flights in France alone, creating new jobs in the process. Ouroverall objective is to provide outstanding services and continuity to our customers to help themremain competitive during challenging economic conditions,” he continued.
“This acquisition is an important milestone for TATEX customers as well as for its employees andcouriers. TATEX customers will benefit from direct access to the worldwide FedEx network and we arevery pleased that the TATEX team members now become part of one of the world’s most admiredcompanies. With this transaction, a new era of the TATEX company history begins,” said AlainChaillé, vice president, Operations, FedEx Express France and President TATEX.
FedEx entered the French market in 1985. Since then the company has been continuously expandingits range of international shipping services in the market and today employs over 3,000 teammembers in the country. In 2009, the company expanded its EMEA hub at Paris’ Roissy Charles deGaulle airport, making it the biggest FedEx Express hub outside the U.S.
FedEx said it has been steadily broadening its European network, including the recentacquisition of Polish courier company Opek with 1,200 employees and a network of 44stations. In fiscal year 2012, FedEx opened 38 new stations across Europe, launched five B757flights on intra-European routes, and another B777 for long-haul routes—bringing the total numberof B777s operating FedEx routes in and out of Europe to four.
Meanwhile, FedEx Express also announced that it will begin flying two state-of-the-art B777Fcargo planes on routes from Asia to Cologne Bonn Airport this month. FedEx Express alreadyintroduced a B777F on its four weekly flights from Cologne/Bonn to its Memphis world hub in lateMarch.
Once both planes are in the air, 28 of the 76 weekly FedEx flights at Cologne Bonn Airport willbe served by the FedEx fleet’s most modern plane, the company said. The B777F can transport nearlyseven tons more cargo and fly almost 3,900 kilometers further than the MD-11 planes otherwise usedon long-haul flights while consuming less fuel. On top of that, the B777F produces 18% less CO2emissions and is much quieter.
