PostNL has taken note of The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets’ (ACM) intention to launch a new investigation into PostNL, following the ruling of the Administrative High Court for Trade and Industry (CBb) regarding the acquisition of Sandd in 2019. PostNL respects the role of the regulator but also emphasises that the postal market has already been subject of multiple investigations in recent years. According to PostNL, a new investigation does not contribute to the necessary progress and clarity in a sector that requires stability and forward-looking decision-making for customers and employees.
The acquisition of Sandd in 2019 was a step taken by PostNL to safeguard the continuity of postal services in the Netherlands. A licence for this acquisition was granted in 2019 by the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Over the past six years, including after the annulment of the licence, PostNL has complied with the associated licence conditions, which were also aiming to address potential competition concerns. In addition, the acquisition offered thousands of mail deliverers employment at better conditions.
Since 2019, the postal market has changed significantly. Mail volumes have declined by around 35% during this period, and customer and consumer needs have continued to evolve. At the same time, the labour market has tightened and costs have risen sharply. As a result, market conditions differ fundamentally from those at the time of the acquisition.
PostNL respects the role and responsibilities of the regulator and looks forward to the outcome of the investigation with confidence. The company also values constructive dialogue with all parties involved, including the ACM. PostNL is searching for agreements that reflect the interests of all market participants and are aligned with current and future market conditions.
Pim Berendsen, CEO of PostNL: “Postal delivery in the Netherlands is structurally loss-making and pressure on the system continues to increase. This does not only affect our company, but above all the job security of our employees and the reliability that our customers and businesses depend on. It is therefore essential that arrangements regarding the organisation of the postal market are economically viable and future-proof. There should be no unnecessary delays in the path towards a sustainable postal service. We remain committed to constructive engagement, because progress is essential for the future of postal services in the Netherlands.”