UPS to Kick Start $6.6 Billion TNT Express Takeover Offer

Bruce Barnard
The Journal of Commerce
June 25, 2012

United Parcel Service launches its 5.16 billion euro ($6.6 billion) cash bid for Dutch rival TNT Express Friday in a major expansion of its presence in Europe's package delivery market. 

The offer period for the 9.50 euro ($12.06) per share bid runs through Aug. 31 “unless extended,” the two companies said.

UPS reiterated it is seeking support from at least 80 percent of shareholders in TNT Express, whose executive and supervisory boards backed the offer that was tabled on March 19.

TNT Express, which was spun off from Dutch mail operator Post NL last year, will convene an extraordinary shareholders meeting on Aug. 6 to brief investors about the deal. Post NL is tendering its 29.8 percent stake.

UPS sought clearance from European Union regulators last Friday for the biggest acquisition in the U.S. firm’s 105-year history.

The EU will decide by July 20 whether to wave through the deal or begin an in-depth investigation that could result in concessions from UPS.

UPS denied reports it has offered to divest TNT Benelux or its German operations to meet any EU objections to the takeover.

Kurt Kuehn, UPS chief financial officer, has expressed confidence the deal will get regulatory approval by the third quarter.

“The transaction will create a global leader in the logistics industry with more than $60 billion in annual revenue and an enhanced, integrated global network,” the companies said.

UPS said merging the two companies would produce annual pretax cost savings of $510 million to $710 million after four years.

TNT has a leading 18 percent share of the intra-Europe express market. Germany’s Deutsche Post DHL has a 16 percent share; UPS, 14 percent; and FedEx, 5 percent.

Get Advice Join TDU Donate

Recent News

UPS Profits: $2 Billion in Third Quarter of 2024, Volume Up

UPS released their profits and revenue financials yesterday for the third quarter of 2024, with higher than expected profits despite a slowdown in online sales in the United States.

Support the AT&T Strikers

Seventeen thousand union members in the Southeast are on strike against AT&T. AT&T wants to hike their healthcare costs and is refusing to engage in good faith negotiations for a new contract. Here's how you can support them, including honoring picket lines. 

View More News Posts