bpost (Belgium) purchases a majority interest in Landmark Global (U.S.)

Belgian post operator, bpost, announced today a majority share purchase of Landmark Global, a U.S. based cross border parcel logistics provider

SANTA BARBARA, CA, Jan. 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - bpost will, through its business unit bpost international, partner with Landmark Global to further expand its international retail operations in the U.S. and worldwide. The new relationship comes after a record-breaking sales and profit year for Landmark Global and will allow Landmark to further invest in additional operations and strategic acquisition opportunities. California-based Landmark Global was founded in 2005 and operates on a carrier-neutral, cross-border parcel logistics and fulfillment business model. In seven years the company has grown to a workforce of over 75 and last year handled over 3 million parcels to Canada and international destinations.

Landmark will continue to operate as Landmark Global and be managed by its founding partner Dave Mays. All current senior management positions will remain unchanged. "The strength of this acquisition does not come solely in bpost's acquisition of Landmark, but by the fact that Landmark Global's business spirit, motivation, ingenuity, creativity, service, and responsiveness will remain intact," says Dave Mays. "The same Landmark Global team that has driven customer satisfaction and performance will remain in place with the latitude to meet the needs of our customers and create new opportunities. The international growth and expansion that we've been seeking will be accelerated through this partnership."

bpost international (BPI) is a business unit of the Belgian leading post operator bpost and manages international mail and parcel distribution, providing superior service offerings to customers in Europe, North America and Asia. In 2009, bpost acquired a majority interest in MSI Worldwide Mail in the U.S., with activities in Washington, Chicago and Toronto. In 2011, bpost acquired Citipost based in Hong Kong and Singapore. In 2012, bpost opened its first Chinese office in Beijing. Peter Somers, member of the Executive Committee of bpost and CEO of bpost parcels & international, said: "This acquisition provides us with the opportunity to reinforce our future growth in foreign markets. bpost international has acquired a great deal of experience and know-how in recent years and through this deal we complete our international footprint and will further expand our business on the global e-commerce market to deliver the best, integrated suite of fulfilment and distribution services available in the market."

About bpost:

bpost is the leading postal operator in Belgium marketing a wide range of products and services on mail, parcels and related markets. bpost's core business is collecting, sorting, transporting and delivering letters and parcels. Every day bpost staff handles twelve million items and drop by every single letterbox in Belgium. bpost and its subsidiaries provide solutions in document management, international mail, parcels and added value services. International activities are operated under the brand bpost international. bpost bank, a joint venture of bpost and BNP Paribas Fortis, markets a range of banking and insurance products. The Belgian State holds 50% + 1 share of bpost. The remaining shares are held by CVC Capital Partners.

About Landmark Global

Landmark Global is the cross-border parcel logistics leader for multi-channel "business to consumer" organizations who utilize an e-commerce, direct response, direct marketing or other direct to consumer strategies. Landmark Global's locations include: Mira Loma, California; Carson, California; Seattle, Washington; Salt Lake City, Utah; Taylor, Michigan; Romulus, Michigan; Buffalo, New York; Toronto, Ontario (Canada); Windsor, Ontario (Canada) and two returns facilities in Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada) and Calgary, Alberta (Canada).

SOURCE Landmark Global