Western Europe








Transport Infrastructure

Freight Logistics

Freight Logistics

French and Benelux stocks: Factors to watch

Here are some company news and stories that could impact the markets in France and Benelux or even individual stocks. Lisi SA Lisi SA, a French-based company, announced on Wednesday that SK Capital had entered exclusive negotiations to acquire the medical division of lisi. Tonnellerie Francois Freres SA TFF Group said on Wednesday that it anticipates a further decline in business for 2025/2026 and added that profitability will be under pressure. Warehouses de Pauw NV WDP announced on Wednesday that it had completed the sale and leaseback of a distribution centre to ID Logistics. Legrand SA Legrand, a French group...

Freight Logistics

Italy seizes $51 Million from Rhenus Group Unit in Labour Supply Probe

Documents from the prosecutor's office showed that Italian tax police seized $43.5 million ($51 million) in cash from Rhenus Logistics Group, Rhenus' local unit. This was part of an investigation into allegations of tax fraud and illegal labor practices. Milan prosecutors launched a series formal investigations against Italy's delivery and logistics firms. They targeted the local units for major companies such as FedEx, Amazon, GLS, and DHL. According to a 199 page decree, the investigation accuses Rhenus Logistics Spa, of issuing fake invoices, and bypassing tax and labour laws in order to avoid paying tax and social insurance payments. The...

Freight Logistics

German antitrust watchdog drops investigation into DHL's corporate mailing consolidation

Germany's antitrust regulator dropped its investigation into the alleged anticompetitive behavior at the nation’s largest postal service group DHL, after the company severed ownership ties with another competitor that handled letters for businesses. The Federal Cartel Office’s two-year investigation focused on mail consolidation. DHL’s Deutsche Post InHaus Services collects letters from multiple companies and processes them, offering discounts based on the total volume. DHL competes in this market with Max-Ventures, a postal services group. However, the two also hold 26% and 74% respectively in Compador, another player in this segment. DHL's antitrust authority stated that it had allayed concerns by...

Ground Freight

UK maritime agency reports that a ship was attacked in the Red Sea near Yemen.

An attack on a ship in the Red Sea, off the coast of Yemen's southwest coast, was launched by eight small boats using gunfire and grenades. A British maritime agency and a security firm confirmed the incident. The situation continues, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations and British maritime security company Ambrey. The attack was not immediately attributed to anyone. This is the first report on the region by the agencies since the middle of April. The tensions in the Middle East are still high due to the conflict in Gaza, the 12-day Israel/Iran war that lasted for...

Freight Logistics

Worldline hires a new auditor to assess clients at high risk

Worldline, a French payment company, has announced that it has hired Accuracy as an auditing firm to evaluate its remaining merchant portfolio for risky activity. A group of 21 European news outlets claimed last month that Worldline covered-up client fraud in order to protect its revenue. Last week, Belgian prosecutors announced that they had launched an investigation into possible money laundering activities within its Belgian division. Worldline responded to media reports by stating that it has strengthened merchant risk control since 2023 and terminated client relationships with non-compliant clients. The group announced that in addition to the hiring of Accuracy,...

Ground Freight & Logistics

After tariff truce, US freight industry expects a boost in demand for back-to school supplies

Experts said that a 90-day trade thaw could be a welcome respite for the U.S. Freight Industry, as importers rush in to secure shipments before the busy back to school period. Overcapacity has caused a three-year slowdown in the $906 billion U.S. Trucking Industry. This was exacerbated by President Donald Trump’s recent tariffs against his country's biggest trading partners. The White House's agreement with the UK, and the ongoing trade negotiations with other partners have changed expectations. Instead of worrying about low freight activity, they are now expecting a possible import surge before the peak shopping season, which begins late...

Freight Logistics

Retailers scramble to save the US summer shopping season

After Washington and Beijing agreed on a temporary tariff cut, U.S. retailers such as Walmart and several clothing companies are racing to get China-made products for the busy summer season that begins in late May. According to Portless, the logistics company that helps U.S. brands import goods via air from China, orders for sundresses as well as bathing suits, clogs, and sunscreens have increased since Monday's agreement between Washington and Beijing to temporarily lower tariffs. Izzy Rosenzweig is the CEO of Portless. Portless counts Hapari swimwear and bug repellent manufacturer NatPat as clients. "They said, 'let's resume production and shipping.'...

Freight Logistics

Chinese exporters are preparing to move goods to the US as soon as trade talks start.

After a series cancellations due to U.S. Tariffs, China-based shipping companies have resumed purchasing container space for goods heading for the United States. Beijing and Washington are now headed for trade negotiations in Switzerland. The trade between the two world's largest economies has plummeted since U.S. president Donald Trump imposed tariffs of 145% on China-made goods, a move that prompted China impose levies at 125% on U.S. made products. According to Flexport Logistics and Freight Forwarding, the U.S. Tariffs affected an estimated 80% goods shipped from China into the U.S. in April. Hapag-Lloyd customers cancelled 30% of their shipments to...

Freight Logistics

CMA CGM, the shipping giant, and a French AI startup have teamed up to improve customer service.

The partnership between shipping giant CMA CGM, and the tech startup Mistral AI is expected to yield rapid productivity gains. It was announced on Sunday. The partnership will see CMA CGM spend 500 million euros (550 million dollars) on AI over the next five years, and will be focused on improving customer service and logistics in shipping as well as fact-checking for its French media outlets including BFM TV. Rodolphe Saade, CMA CGM Chairman and CEO, declined to provide financial targets on return on investment in a joint interview conducted with Arthur Mensch's cofounder and CEO of Mistral. Saade, however,...

Freight Logistics

Ships that carry cars to the US send additional cargo ahead of tariffs

Shipping data shows that in the first few months of this year, more cars were shipped to the United States from Europe, China, Japan, and Korea than in the previous year. This is a sign that companies are loading up their shipments in advance of tariffs. According to Esgian, a data analytics company that monitors shipping routes worldwide, 33 roll on/roll off ships, designed for wheeled freight and mainly carrying new cars, left Europe in February of this year. This is up from 28 in the same month in 2024. Stian Omli said that these ships would have been able...

Freight Logistics

After a slump in profits, port operator DP World has an uncertain outlook for trade

DP World, a Dubai owned ports and logistics firm, reported a 28 percent fall in its annual profit on Friday, partly because of higher finance costs. It also highlighted global trade uncertainty and geopolitical risk as clouding the outlook. DP World announced that the profit attributable by owners after accounting for items separately dropped from $820 to $591 millions a year ago. In a statement, Chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem stated that "while the year started on a good note, global trade is still in flux because of ongoing geopolitical issues." DP World's revenue rose by 9.7%, to...

Freight Logistics

French and Benelux stocks: Factors to watch

Here are some company news and stories that could impact the markets in France and Benelux or even individual stocks. Airbus Airbus signed a letter with DRF Luftrettung on Wednesday for the purchase 10 H140 helicopters. The New York State Police also placed an order for an Airbus H160, three H145 helicopters and signed a contract with Omni to buy three H160 helicopters. Lotus Bakeries Lotus Bakeries announced Wednesday that it will expand its partnership with Mondelez International into the Ice Cream category. ID Logistics ID Logistics released its annual results for 2024 on Wednesday. Pluxee Pluxee launched its first...

Passenger Transportation Services

Passenger Transportation Services

Spain's tourism industry expects a slowdown in summer sales

The Spanish tourism industry is expecting a sharp slowdown in the growth of summer sales as uncertainty surrounding U.S. Tariff Negotiations threatens to reduce global consumer spending. However, it still expects record visitor numbers. The group anticipates that revenues from hotels, airlines and restaurants as well as other tourism-related business will grow by 2.7% on an annual basis in the third quarter of the year, which is the peak season for tourism. This compares to a 6.3% growth in 2024. Sales rose by 4.5% in the second quarter. The group predicted fewer arrivals in Germany and France. The group estimated...

Passenger Transportation Services

Portugal launches a new privatisation of TAP airline, with aims to sell 49.9%

Luis Montenegro, Portugal's Prime Minister, announced on Thursday that the government had decided to restart a long-delayed TAP privatisation, with a goal of selling a 49.9% share of its capital. A 5% stake will be offered to TAP employees. In a short televised announcement, he stated: "We made this decision because we have already spent a great deal of money... We do not want to keep pouring money down a bottomless hole." Three major European airlines have already expressed interest in the airline's privatisation. These include Lufthansa, Air France-KLM and British Airways' owner IAG. They met with the government last...

Passenger Ground & Sea Transportation

After mysterious explosions, the Greek tanker fleet increases ship inspections in Russian ports

Six Greek shipping and security companies report that Greek shipping companies visiting Russian ports have boosted their vessel's defences following a series mysterious explosions in the last few months which damaged tankers connected to Moscow's oil trading. Two Greek sources who are familiar with the strategy say that the measures include underwater inspections of foreign objects by divers. The West has imposed sanctions on Russia for its involvement in the war in Ukraine. Separately, the Group of Seven major countries has capped the price of oil exported by Moscow at $60 per barrel. This is the lifeline of the Russian...

Transportation

Logistics

Logistics

UK's Ofcom revised Royal Mail delivery targets in order to manage delays

The British media regulator has announced that it has set new minimum delivery deadlines to Royal Mail in order to avoid long delays and altered some existing delivery targets, which could help the postal services save up to 578.3 millions pounds (425 million pounds). Ofcom has fined Royal Mail $20 million for not meeting delivery targets over the past two years. Ofcom announced on Thursday that Royal Mail is required to ensure that no more than 99% of the mail arrives two days late. Delivery targets for "First Class", however, have been reduced from 93% to 90 percent delivered the...

Logistics

InPost purchases Spain's Sending in order to expand its delivery network throughout Iberia

InPost, a parcel locker company, has announced that it has acquired Spanish delivery firm Sending in order to expand its presence on the Iberian Peninsula. It will also integrate the 24-hour delivery service provided by Sending. Why it's important InPost has gained traction in other countries after establishing a stronghold on its native market, Poland. Sending is the latest in a strategy of pan-European growth, which began with the acquisition of Yodel earlier this year. By the Numbers InPost, at the end of its second quarter, had 3,000 automated package machines (APMs) and 9,000 pickup and drop-off locations in Spain...

Logistics

Report reveals the human suffering caused by UK Post Office scandal

A public inquiry into Britain’s Post Office IT Scandal revealed on Tuesday that six postal workers committed suicide, while others fell seriously ill or declared bankrupt. The report also revealed the impact of this scandal on over 1,000 sub-postmasters. State-owned Post Office pursued Branch Managers for losses on their accounts due to flaws in a computer system between 2000 and 2013, leading to about 1,000 of them being found guilty in one of the biggest injustices of the country. ITV's dramatization of the managers' campaign, "Mr Bates Vs. the Post Office", last year sparked outrage and led to legislation exonerating...

Logistics

Royal Mail strikes three-year wage deal with union

International Distribution Services announced on Thursday that Royal Mail and Communication Workers Union (CWU), had reached an agreement on a pay deal for three years. Royal Mail has been struggling with strikes by workers, competition, and a loss of market share. CWU (the largest union in the UK Royal Mail) has been on strike multiple times between 2022 and 2023. Both workers and businesses are struggling with the rising inflation. IDS reported that the CWU would issue a ballot in which it will recommend accepting and approving an agreement containing a basic pay increase over a period of three years,...

Logistics

Hived, a UK-based delivery startup, raises $42 Million to expand its network

Hived is a UK parcel delivery startup that uses AI to manage its network. It announced on Thursday it had raised $42 Million in funding from investors. The money will be used to expand operations throughout the UK over the next 2 years. The Series B funding round was led by Japanese venture capital firm NordicNinja, and included Wex Venture Capital and Marunouchi Innovation Partners. Hived has signed retailers such as John Lewis, Uniqlo and Zara for online deliveries. The company is among a number that use electric vehicles to meet the demand for low-emission deliveries. Murvah Iqbal, Hived CEO,...

Logistics

InPost parcel lockers to be acquired by Advent for a 3.5% stake

Bookrunners reported on Tuesday that a company controlled by Advent International, a private equity firm, had offered institutional investors an approximately 3.5% stake in the parcel locker firm InPost. AI Prime & Cy S.C.A., a company owned by Advent. InPost offered 17.5 millions shares through an accelerated placement at 13.25 euros per share. This represents a discount by 6% from Monday's closing prices of 14.1 euro in Amsterdam. The bookrunner stated that once the placement is completed, AI Prime will hold a stake of around 6,5% in InPost. In September 2024, the company sold a 4% stake to InPost at...

Logistics

Czech billionaire Kretinsky appointed Royal Mail chairman

His investment firm EP Group announced on Friday that Daniel Kretinsky, a Czech billionaire, will be the new chairman of Royal Mail in Britain. The EP Group, led by Kretinsky, completed its 4.90 billion pound (3.57 billion pound) acquisition of Royal Mail parent company International Distribution Services earlier this month. The British government was also given a 1 pound "golden share", as part of this deal, by the new owner of an old postal company. Royal Mail will continue to pay UK tax and retain its British headquarters with the "golden share". Royal Mail was privatised by the state in...

Logistics

Wall St. ends with a higher price as hopes of rate cuts offset fears of an escalating conflict with Iran

Wall Street rose on Monday, as the prospect of the U.S. Federal Reserve reducing interest rates by as early as July offset concerns that Iran could disrupt crude transportation in the Middle East. All three major U.S. indexes ended the day higher. The consumer discretionary sector led the gains, with Tesla providing a strong boost. "The rally was a little surprising," said Jay Hatfield. He is the CEO and portfolio manager of InfraCap, a New York-based company. In a sense, the U.S. attacks have ended the uncertainty about whether or not the U.S. would attack. Hatfield said, "The market is...

Logistics

Wall St. rallies on hopes of rate cuts outweighing Middle East turmoil

Wall Street gained on Monday, as fears of Iran retaliating against U.S. Airstrikes and escalating the Middle East war were offset by the prospect that the U.S. Federal Reserve would cut interest rates in July. All three major U.S. indexes rose modestly as a result of a broad rally. The consumer discretionary sector led the gains, with Tesla providing a strong boost. "The rally was a little surprising," said Jay Hatfield. He is the CEO and portfolio manager of InfraCap, a New York-based company. In a sense, the U.S. attacks has ended the uncertainty about whether or not the U.S....

Logistics

Antimony shortage affects battery makers after China's export restrictions

Sometimes the pain of China limiting exports is so severe that it can be crippling. This can cause a huge outcry to occur almost instantly. Sometimes the pain is felt immediately, while other times it can take longer. China's late-last-year restrictions on the critical mineral antimony have caused major headaches for lead-acid battery makers around the world. Their customers are also affected by these high costs, as they have to pay more. Steve Christensen is the executive director of the Responsible Battery Coalition in America, which includes battery manufacturer Clarios, Honda, and FedEx. He mentioned the importance of batteries in...

Logistics

US importers use brokers to negotiate Trump's tariffs at a price

U.S. importers rely on customs brokers more and more to keep up with the ever-changing policies of President Donald Trump. The industry said that the booming demand for assistance in processing foreign products has increased the cost of these services, which adds another cost to tariffs. Customs brokerages, which were until recently an unrecognized branch of the import industry, now handle all the paperwork required to process shipments, calculate tariff bills, and calculate the paperwork. Brokers interviewed by said they were raising their fees. Major logistics companies like Memphis, Tennessee based FedEx, and Germany based DHL have also added staff...

Logistics

Canada - June 9

These are some of the most important stories in selected Canadian newspapers. These stories have not been verified and we cannot vouch for the accuracy of these stories. THE GLOBE AND MAIL ** Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will announce the biggest increase in defence expenditures since the Second World War. This would allow Canada to reach NATO's target of 2% military spending this fiscal year. The Canadian clothing retailer Oak and Fort was granted court protection against its creditors. It blames its financial crisis on an ill-conceived expansion of its store and U.S. Tariffs. ** The union representing DHL...