InPost logistics partners with Portuguese Bloq.it, acquiring minority stake
Amsterdam-listed parcel locker operator InPost has announced a partnership and long-term agreement with Lisbon-based company Bloq.it, a provider of parcel collection points, acquiring a minority stake and over 20,000 NEXT devices, InPost said in a press release.
As reported, InPost, which is expanding its network of automated parcel collection points (APMs), will install NEXT devices in key European markets over the next five years. The first devices were installed in France and the United Kingdom in July, and by the end of the year they will be available in Italy, Portugal and Spain.
"Our strategic investment in Bloq.it is a game-changer in our expansion in Europe. The partnership not only gives us access to next-generation technology but also allows us to strengthen our market leadership (...)," said InPost's CEO Rafal Brzoska, quoted in the press release.
"We expect this to have a positive impact on our growth trajectory and long-term profitability," he added.
Under the agreement, Bloq.it will provide comprehensive services for the expansion and management of InPost's APM networks, including technological solutions and expert support.
InPost currently operates over 88,000 collection points in nine European countries, including over 54,000 APMs. The company wants to add another 14,000 APMs this year, including 4,500 in the United Kingdom, 4,000 in France and the Benelux countries, 3,000 in Poland, 2,000 on the Iberian Peninsula and 1,000 in Italy.
doa/ ao/