UPS Moves Closer to $6.3B Acquisition of TNT Express

Late Friday out of Atlanta came an update on United Parcel Service (UPS) and progress in its intended acquisition of TNT Express of the Netherlands, a deal that UPS anticipates and expects will boost its long-term profitability by expanding its logistical reach through the Eurozone when that region is recovered financially.

The European Commission has approved the offer for a Phase II review, which could take up to 25 weeks to complete. This timetable means that UPS expects to have this $6.3 billion deal consummated late in the fourth quarter of 2012. This is being described as the largest purchase in the history of the company. According to the joint press release, TNT Express is one of the world’s largest express-delivery businesses, transporting nearly 1 million units per day and boasting nearly $9 billion in revenue during 2011. The company has both ground and air transportation network in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific and the Americas.

“UPS and TNT Express welcome the opportunity to further engage with the Commissions competition services. UPS and TNT Express remain convinced the merger will benefit customers and other stakeholders and look forward to successful completion of the regulatory process,” according to the press release.

This news was apparently received well, because shares in UPS were up 1 percent after-hours to just shy of $79.50 per share. As this news progresses, it may bode well for Edgar Wachenheim’s Greenhaven Associates and for Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway, for example. Greenhaven was invested in UPS to the tune of $316 million as of the end of March, which constintued nearly 10 percent of its portfolio. Berkshire, meanwhile, was in for $115 million at the end of Q1.