TNT extends Middle East Road Network into Lebanon
Beirut, March 27th 2008 – Net Holding S.A.L. and TNT Express announced today their partnership for the Lebanese market and the extension of TNT’s Middle East Road Network (MERN) into Lebanon. Both the partnership and extension of the MERN fit in TNT’s strategy to be the No. 1 integrator in the intra-regional and intercontinental express flows. The combination of Net Holding’s 15-year experience in the Lebanese market, its entrepreneurial and innovative spirit, and TNT’s complete suit of services make for a very promising partnership.
The joint announcement was made during a press conference held at the Dubai Hall in the Metropolitan Palace Hotel in Sin el-Fil and was followed by an exhibition highlighting TNT’s major products and services. The event was held under the patronage of HE Mr. Marwan Hmadeh (Minister of Posts and Telecommunications), who was represented by Mr. Naji Andraos (General-Director of the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications).
Jinendra Sancheti, Regional Managing Director for TNT MEA (Middle East & Africa) says: “We find Net Holding as our perfect partner in terms of both business practice and culture. We certainly do believe Lebanon is a worthwhile and positive investment, and is well placed with our plans of becoming No. 1 in the regional and emerging markets.”
“TNT aims to expand its presence in key emerging markets by growing its domestic footprint and regional capabilities to support intra-regional and international trade growth”, says Marie-Christine Lombard, Group Managing Director for TNT Express. “We see Lebanon as being key to our Levant region development, as it is strategically placed as both a European gateway and a natural extension to our Middle East Road Network. With this extension, TNT will expand the reach of our proven economic and reliable services to customers and will allow both TNT and customers to leverage even more on the growth potential of the Middle East region.”
Once again Net Holding S.A.L. confirms its belief in the future of Lebanon by investing in a new strategic association with TNT. “We foresee great opportunities of growth and development for TNT services in Lebanon. Our alliance with TNT fulfills our objective to deliver world class services to the Lebanese business community”, says Mourad Aoun, Net Holding CEO.
Through this partnership TNT now offers the widest choice in standard morning delivery services to businesses in Lebanon - 9:00 Express, 12:00 Express, Global Express, Economy Express, Receiver Pays, Air Freight services and Road Haulage. TNT’s MERN is one of the most extensive road delivery networks in the Middle East. Customers of TNT can now benefit from the fastest, daily, time-definite, by road, door-to-door, customs-cleared, express delivery transit times in the Middle East.
- ENDS -
About TNT MEA
The TNT MEA region is witnessing consistent growth year-on-year at a rate of over 25%. The TNT MEA region covers the Indian Sub Continent, Middle East and Africa representing 75 countries in total. This is made up of 9 TNT owned countries and 66 Associate run entities. This represents over 4,000 employees, 250 + depots, and 1500 + vehicles. Lebanon falls under the TNT MEA region (Middle East & Africa) and is supported from TNT’s regional head office in Dubai.
About TNT’s Express division
TNT’s Express division is one of the world’s leading business-to-business express delivery services providers. It delivers 4.4 million parcels, documents and pieces of freight a week to over 200 countries using its network of over 2,331 depots, hubs and sorting centers. The division operates over 26,760 road vehicles and 47 aircrafts, and has the biggest door-to-door air and road express delivery infrastructure in Europe.
TNT’s Express division employs over 75,000 staff worldwide. It is the first organization to have achieved global recognition as an Investor in People. The division reported revenue of €6.5 billion in 2007. The operating income was €599 million, up 7% compared to 2006.
TNT provides businesses and consumers worldwide with an extensive range of services for their mail and express delivery needs. Headquartered in the Netherlands, TNT offers efficient network infrastructures in Europe and Asia, and is expanding operations worldwide to maximize its network performance. TNT serves more than 200 countries and employs around 161,500 people. Over 2007, TNT reported €11 billion in revenues and an operating income of €1,192 million. TNT N.V. is publicly listed on the stock exchange of Amsterdam. TNT recognizes its social responsibility and has formed partnerships with the United Nations World Food Programme and the United Nations Environmental Programme to fight hunger and pollution in the world.
About Net Holding
Net Holding S.A.L. is a Levant-based company that owns and manages several entities in the region, specialized in Express and Logistics services.
Last year, Net Holding has inaugurated the first Beirut Port Free Zone warehouse facility to position its subsidiary, Net Logistics, as the regional gateway of Europe to the Middle East.
The Net Holding has 15 years of experience in the Lebanese market in Express, Freight Forwarding, and the Logistics industry. Its entrepreneurial spirit and innovation, coupled with its strategic alliance with industry leaders in each market offer world-class services to the business community.
Moreover, The Net Holding employs more than 110 professionals in the Levant. Its solid strategy in the region over the past years has been demonstrated by an overall growth of 40% in its revenue in 2007.
or please contact:
TNT - Tim Frank, Sales & Marketing Manager, MEA region
Net Holding - Mourad Aoun, CEO
