Press Release: Mergers: Commission opens in-depth investigation into proposed acquisition of TNT Express by UPS

The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation under the EU Merger Regulation into the proposed acquisition of TNT Express of the Netherlands by the American company United Parcel Service (UPS), both major players in the small package delivery sector.

The Commission's preliminary investigation indicated potential competition concerns in the markets for small parcel delivery services, in particular international express services, in numerous Member States, where the parties would have very high combined market shares. The opening of an in-depth inquiry does not prejudge the result of the investigation. The Commission now has 90 working days, until 28 November 2012, to take a decision on whether the proposed transaction would significantly impede effective competition in the European Economic Area (EEA).