Asendia strengthens its presence in the cross-border e-commerce market

BERN, Switzerland and PARIS, France, Oct. 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Asendia, the joint venture between two of the world's leading postal operators - La Poste and Swiss Post -- is pleased to make two announcements to strengthen its presence in the cross-border e-commerce market:

• A strategic investment in eShopWorld, a Dublin, Ireland based company which has developed a suite of technology solutions and services covering the whole international e-commerce value-chain.
• The launch of three new Asendia e-commerce products with tracking options that will provide more secure cross-border delivery solutions to its customers.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131023/PH02416LOGO)

A strategic investment in eShopWorld

Founded in 2011, eShopWorld provides e-commerce enabling solutions for on-line retailers to help them simplify extending their e-business globally: eShopWorld's software platform, which is available in modular form or as a complete suite, provides currency conversion, duty and taxes calculation, delivery solutions, customs clearance, returns management and order payment processing. As a result, online retailers are able to offer their customers a fully transparent and complete shopping experience while providing a consistent global shopping experience to all end consumers wherever they may be. Major American and European retail groups already trust and utilise eShopWorld services.

For the past two years, eShopWorld and Asendia USA have worked together successfully in the United States. Together, Asendia and eShopWorld will combine their expertise and services to offer global e-commerce solutions to all US, European and Asian online retailers, the three prime strategic markets for both companies. As a result of its investment, Asendia is now a 40% shareholder in eShopWorld and has provided additional capital to permit the company to accelerate its development and growth.

Martin Tully, COO for eShopWorld:  

"We are very excited that Asendia has become a strategic shareholder of eShopWorld. While we have enjoyed a strong working relationship with Asendia, this investment brings our partnership to a new level, and the eShopWorld team and I are delighted at the opportunities to bring a broader and deeper service offering to on-line retailers all over the world."

For further information on eShopWorld please visit their website at www.eshopworld.com

The launch of three new Asendia products

Asendia launches three new e-commerce products with tracking options that will provide more secure cross-border delivery to its customers. The products are called "Country-tracked Goods", "Fully-tracked Goods" as well as "Premium Goods" and reflect the growing desire of customers to have a choice in the way their goods are shipped worldwide.

Tracking options range from a simple track & trace when an item departs and arrives in a country to tracking events several times a day with a confirmation of delivery. Customers can also choose the type of notification or the level of insurance coverage. Moreover, Asendia offers its customers delivery alternatives which include personal delivery, mailbox delivery or delivery to a pick-up point.

Growth in cross-border online trade

Through the ease of use of these products, Asendia will be able to strengthen its position in the rapidly growing cross-border e-commerce market. According to the UK industry association IMRG, cross-border sales in Europe are forecast to reach € 36 billion in 2013. By the end of this decade, IMRG expects that cross-border shopping will represent a third of all online trade worldwide.

In line with these developments, "we are extremely pleased to bring our new products on the market", said Marc Pontet, CEO Asendia. "They provide simple, convenient and secure B2C shipping solutions, in particular to international online shops that wish to offer better services to their customers."

For further information on Asendia and the new products please visit our website at  www.asendia.com

About Asendia

Asendia is one of the world's leading companies for the distribution of international mail to over 200 countries. The joint venture of France's La Poste and Swiss Post is present in Europe, Asia and in the USA with over 1,000 employees, 25 offices and a large network of partners. Asendia's headquarters are located in Paris and Berne.

Asendia. The world is your address.
www.asendia.com

About eShopWorld

eShopWorld is a leading provider of cross border e-commerce software and services. The company has locations in Dublin, London, and New York. 

eShopWorld. Taking your ebusiness global.
www.eshopworld.com

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SOURCE Asendia