DHL commits €128 million for investment in domestic express services in India

Strengthens market leadership in Asia Pacific, as the only international express company with domestic and international offerings in the two Asian giants – India and China. DHL, the world’s leading express and logistics company, today announced an investment in India of €128 million, reinforcing its commitment to the growing Indian economy. The commitment is towards an acquisition of Blue Dart, the premium domestic courier and integrated air express package distribution company. DHL Express has finalised agreements with the founding shareholders of Blue Dart and Schroder Capital Partners Limited, for an acquisition of a majority stake in Blue Dart. The agreement, signed on Saturday, 6th November, gives DHL Express a 68 per cent stake in Blue Dart subject to regulatory approvals. In compliance with statutory requirements in India, the acquisition of 68 per cent of shares in Blue Dart requires DHL to make a 20 percent mandatory open offer to the public shareholders. With an extensive domestic geographical footprint and air express infrastructure, Blue Dart will strengthen DHL’s presence in India. Customers will also benefit from inherent synergies derived from DHL’s world-class expertise and Blue Dart’s extensive network covering over 13,700 locations in India. This announcement comes after DHL’s recent commitment of over €180 million in China. With these investments, DHL becomes the only global air express company to have comprehensive domestic and international express services in two of the fastest growing economies in the region – China and India. “This landmark development is a logical extension of our commitment to provide a full range of express and logistics services in the Asia Pacific region,” said John Mullen, Chief Executive Officer, DHL Express Asia Pacific and designated Member of the Executive Board Deutsche Post World Net. “This acquisition underpins DHL’s Asia Pacific strategy and builds on our extensive geographical reach and network infrastructure in the region, which is second to none,” added Mr Mullen. “Blue Dart will enable us to offer customers a new level of connectivity in India, complementing DHL’s extensive Asia Pacific network.” Following the completion of the acquisition, Blue Dart will be managed as a stand-alone company under the leadership of the existing management team. It will be business as usual and all existing client relationships will remain unchanged. About DHL With annual revenues of nearly €22 billion in 2003, DHL is the global market leader of the international express and logistics industry, specialising in providing innovative and customised solutions from a single source. DHL offers expertise in express, air and ocean freight, overland transport and logistics solutions, combined with worldwide coverage and an in-depth understanding of local markets. DHL's international network links more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. Over 160,000 employees are dedicated to providing fast and reliable services that exceed customers' expectations. DHL is 100 percent owned by Deutsche Post World Net. About Blue Dart Blue Dart, South Asia's leading courier and integrated air express package distribution company, with a market share of 39% and dedicated aviation infrastructure, offers secure and reliable delivery of consignments to over 13,700 locations in India and 800 locations in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Blue Dart was selected a Superbrand from over 700 brands across 98 categories in India. The Blue Dart team drives marketplace leadership through its motivated people force, unique aviation system, cutting edge technology, innovation and value-added services to deliver unmatched standards of service quality to its customers. Press Contacts: Christina Koh Lina Poa/ Felix Chan DHL Golin/Harris International Tel: +65 6 216 6295 Tel: +65 6551 5425 / +65 6551 5435 Fax: +65 6 216 6603 Fax: +65 6836 3121 Email: christina.koh@dhl.com Email: lina.poa@golinharris.com/ felix.chan@golinharris.com Display of registered company names and registration numbers according to Section 144(1A) of the Singapore Companies Act: DHL Express (Singapore) Pte Ltd - Reg no.: 197700524Z DHL Danzas Air & Ocean (Singapore) Pte Ltd - Reg no.: 197000723M DHL Danzas Warehousing & Distribution (Singapore) Pte Ltd - Reg no.: 199003979K Danzas Asia Pacific Management Pte Ltd - Reg no.: 199408226H