UPS Seeks Clearance to Acquire TNT Express

United Parcel Service, Incorporated andTNT Express have announced, in line with Dutch disclosure requirements, that remedies have been submitted to obtain competition clearance from the European Commission (EC) for the acquisition of TNT Express by UPS.

The offer of remedies does not change the terms and conditions of the Offer by UPS for TNT Express and the proposed remedies aim to address the EC's concerns regarding the competitive effects of the intended merger on the international express small package market in Europe.

UPS and TNT Express, are fully committed to the merger and are working closely with the EC in order to gain competition clearance allowing completion of the transaction in early 2013. As part of the approval process, the EC will market-test the remedies on a confidential basis.

The proposed remedies comprise the sale of business activities and assets in combination with granting access to air capabilities. Eligible buyers of these activities will have to ensure the long-term viability of the divested activities and continuity of customer service.

No further details of the confidential discussions or proposed remedies will be revealed at this stage. The discussions are ongoing, which means that the offered remedies may be subject to change.

UPS and TNT Express announced in a press statement that they believe the merger will help create a more efficient logistics market, thereby improving the competitiveness of Europe and the solutions offered to businesses and consumers. Customers and consumers will benefit from a broader portfolio of services and better global access, along with lower supply-chain costs overall and improved service levels in terms of timing and reliability.

In accordance with EU Merger Regulation, the timing of the remedies submission extends the EC's review period by 15 business days to 5 February 2013.