Parcel locker specialist InPost has formally agreed to a colossal 7.8 billion euro (£6.8 billion) acquisition by a powerful consortium spearheaded by global delivery titan FedEx and the private equity firm Advent International. This strategic move is designed to fuel a significant expansion across the United Kingdom and continental Europe, capitalising on the relentless growth of online shopping.
A Premium Offer for Market Leadership
The acquiring consortium has tabled an offer of 15.60 euros (£13.59) per share for the Polish-headquartered company. This price represents a substantial 17.3% premium over InPost's closing share price on the Amsterdam Euronext this past Friday. Furthermore, it stands at an impressive 50% above the firm's valuation in January, prior to the revelation of an initial takeover approach from an undisclosed suitor.
Continuity and Expansion Under the InPost Brand
Despite the change in ownership, InPost will continue to operate as a standalone entity under its established brand, maintaining its headquarters in Poland. Founder and Chief Executive Rafat Brzoska will remain at the helm, ensuring leadership continuity. The transaction, anticipated to finalise in the latter half of 2026, will see the company accelerate growth in its existing markets, which include France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, the Benelux nations, and the UK.
The UK market, Europe's largest e-commerce arena, is a particular focus. The group plans a dramatic expansion of its automated parcel locker network, aiming to more than double the current count from 14,000 to 30,000 points. This is in addition to its existing network of 5,500 traditional pick-up and drop-off locations across the country.
Consortium Composition and Shareholding Structure
The consortium brings together significant existing stakeholders. Advent, A&R—a private investment firm founded by Mr. Brzoska—and PPF, the investment vehicle of the Czech Kellner family, already hold stakes of 6.5%, 12.49%, and 28.75% in InPost, respectively. Upon completion of the deal, the shareholding will be reconfigured, with Advent and FedEx each acquiring a 37% holding. A&R will own 16%, with PPF retaining the remaining 10% stake.
Strategic Rationale for a Private Future
The decision to take InPost private is viewed as a strategic enabler. The firms stated it will allow InPost "to operate more efficiently" by eliminating costs associated with a public stock market listing and reducing the "dependency on market expectations driven by short-term performance outlook and periodic reporting." Notably, the consortium has identified no immediate cost-cutting measures following the acquisition.
Hein Pretorius, Chair of InPost's supervisory board, endorsed the transaction, stating it "provides a solid foundation for the future of InPost, with the consortium that has a long-term perspective on value creation and fully endorses the strategy."
Founder's Vision for European Growth
Rafat Brzoska, who recused himself from boardroom discussions due to his vested interest, expressed strong support for the partnership. "Building on our success in Poland, this transaction will support our next phase of growth as we continue to grow across Europe," he said.
He highlighted the benefits of aligning with long-term investors who possess deep industry knowledge, providing the "expertise, stability and resources needed to capitalise on the strong tailwinds including increasing e-commerce penetration, rising consumer demand for speed and convenience and the shift towards more sustainable delivery solutions." The goal, he added, is to "redefine the European e-commerce sector" by strengthening the network and enhancing fast, flexible delivery options for consumers.
FedEx's Strategic Partnership
Raj Subramaniam, Chief Executive of FedEx, outlined the symbiotic nature of the deal. "We will be entering into agreements with InPost following completion of the transaction that will provide our customers access to InPost's last-mile B2C capabilities while bringing FedEx's global network and logistics expertise to support InPost's next phase of growth," he explained.
InPost's Established Market Footprint
Founded by Brzoska in 1999, InPost has grown into a major European logistics player. It currently operates a vast network of over 61,000 automated lockers and more than 33,000 pick-up and drop-off points across nine countries: Poland, the UK, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. Beyond its locker network, the group offers comprehensive courier and fulfilment services for online retailers, delivering a remarkable 1.4 billion parcels in 2025 alone. The company first listed on the Amsterdam Euronext in 2021.
