FedEx set to acquire TNT Express, expand reach in Europe

In a move with major implications for the global express delivery and parcel sectors, FedEx said today it plans to acquire Netherlands-based TNT-NV and a provider of mail and courier services and the fourth largest global parcel operator for $4.8 billion.

This is not the first time TNT has been featured in a deal with the prominent global parcel payer. In 2012, it was close to being acquired by FedEx’ chief rival, UPS for $6.8 billion, but the deal was squashed, following a formal decision from the European Commission, the executive body of the European Union, which prohibited the acquisition. Many of the EC’s concerns over the deal were due to the competitive parcel landscape in Europe.

The deal is expected to be made official during the first half of 2016, with FedEx agreeing to pay TNT $200 million in the form of a breakup fee should the deal not come to fruition. TNT and FedEx said that the European regional headquarters of the combined companies will be in Amsterdam/Hoofddorp, and that the TNT Express hub in Liege will be maintained as a significant operation of the group.

As for any antitrust issues that may arise from this deal, FedEx and TNT said that these concerns can be addressed in an adequate and timely manner.

“We believe that this strategic acquisition will add significant value for FedEx shareowners, team members and customers around the globe,” said Frederick W. Smith, Chairman and CEO of FedEx, in a statement. “This transaction allows us to quickly broaden our portfolio of international transportation solutions to take advantage of market trends – especially the continuing growth of global e-commerce – and positions FedEx for greater long-term profitable growth.”

FedEx and TNT cited various strategic benefits of this deal, including:

• the combined companies being a strong global competitor in the transportation and logistics industry, drawing on the considerable and complementary strengths of each other;

• the combined companies’ customers would enjoy access to a considerably enhanced, integrated global network, which would benefit from the combined strength of TNT Express strong European road platform and Liege hub and FedEx’s strength in other regions globally, including North America and Asia. TNT Express customers would also benefit from access to the FedEx portfolio of solutions, including global air express, freight forwarding, contract logistics and surface transportation capabilities; and

• FedEx will strengthen TNT Express with investment capacity, sector expertise and global scope, among others

As part of the conditions of the deal, TNT Express’ airline operations will be divested in compliance with applicable airline ownership regulations.

A Wall Street Journal report explained that this deal makes sense on multiple reasons, given that the European delivery market is making steady gains due to continued expansion following the rollout of a single currency, and the ongoing proliferation of e-commerce, coupled with Europe being a hard market for foreign entities to get into, as many people live in inaccessible apartment buildings and each nation has its own rules and competitors.

And Dave Bronczek, FedEx Express president and CEO, said in the report that this deal can augment how FedEx operates in Europe, with TNT’s vast footrprint there, as well as FedEx hoping to leverage the increasing global reach of e-commerce.

TNT has grown into a highly respected $6.680 billion euro company with diverse revenue streams from around the world with operations in more than 200 countries in Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and Latin America. The company has a substantial group of assets, including aircraft, vehicles, hubs, and depots, which cumulatively account for about 1 million deliveries per day handled by its nearly 80,000 employees. In 2014, it kicked off new productivity and efficiency plans, which included a restructuring of its management team and investments into its people, processes, IT systems and institutional competencies, whilst facing stiff competition and adverse trading conditions, particularly in Western Europe TNT CEO Tex Gunning said on the company’s fourth quarter earnings call.

Jerry Hempstead, principal of Orlando, Fla.-based Hempstead Consulting, said that most observers have long anticipated the acquisition of TNT by FedEx, ever since UPS failed in its attempt to take over TNT.

“TNT has been trying to get itself sold for years ever since it split its mail group from its express group in 2010,” he noted. “Against the ever-expanding market shares of DHL, UPS and FedEx, TNT has struggled. They have done a great job in recovering from the loss of momentum, however, that was the result of the prolonged legal battle waged over the UPS offer. In the end I don’t believe UPS fully understood the lobbying power DHL has with the EU that put a kibosh on the takeover based on anti competitive reasons.”

As for the prospects of a successful FedEx-TNT deal, he said the Fedex offer is far more likely to pass such scrutiny and will now put FedEx in a greater competitive position in Europe.

“To me it has not been ‘if’ TNT would be sold to UPS but ‘when’ and at what price,” he explained. “FedEx will get TNT at a discount over the UPS offer of 2012 if they are successful. This is a great acquisition for FedEx who has proven in the past that they can make very successful acquisitions and have them work. Flying Tigers, RPS, Parcel Direct all come to mind as acquisitions that were risky but have paid off handsomely over the years. Don’t underestimate the ability to throw obstacles in the way of this acquisition just as FedEx and UPS tried to scuttle the DHL acquisition of Airborne in 2003. Some people have long memories and are students of history. Unlike the Airborne deal this is not a matter of flights nor should it be about market share domination. This is real synergy I think between two like businesses.”

Another parcel expert, Rob Martinez, president & CEO, Shipware Systems Corp, a San Diego-based parcel consultancy, explained that the acquisition of TNT Express by FedEx makes strategic sense for FedEx to immediately grow its European capabilities, distribution footprint and market share.

“While FedEx already operates a sizeable air fleet in Europe, TNT now gives FedEx an expansive Ground network throughout the continent, especially within France and the UK where FedEx does not have a strong road network,” he said. “Conversely, it’s a good move for TNT to expand global capabilities to its customer base, especially in North America. With this acquisition, FedEx will immediately become the second largest operator with a combined 17% of the European market share. DHL has an estimated 19% market share, UPS about 16%. Unlike the failed acquisition of TNT by UPS in 2012, EU regulators are less likely to object since FedEx has less presence in Europe, less than 5% of the market share prior to today’s announcement.”