FedEx Corporation saw its stock rise 0.8% in Wednesday trading following its announcement of participation in a consortium bid to acquire InPost, a leading European automated parcel locker operator. The move signals a strategic push by the logistics giant into out-of-home delivery solutions.
The company disclosed in a recent filing that it holds a $2.6 billion stake, representing a 37% share of the consortium, at an offer price of €15.60 per InPost share. Private equity firm Advent International also holds 37%, with A&R Investments at 16% and PPF holding the remaining 10%.
FedEx plans to fund its portion of the investment using existing cash reserves, available credit lines, or a combination of both. The companies emphasized the transaction is structured as a commercial partnership, not a merger, with operations remaining separate and independent.
Analysts offered mixed views on the offer price. Erste Group described it as "moderately attractive," while Trigon suggested the valuation might be too low to secure sufficient minority shareholder support. Bernstein maintained its "Outperform" rating on FedEx with a $427 price target following the announcement.
Significant hurdles remain before the deal can close. The consortium requires acceptance from 80% of InPost shareholders and must obtain regulatory approvals. Currently, investors representing 48% of shares have agreed to the offer.
Market participants are now looking ahead to FedEx's earnings report scheduled for March 19, where executives are expected to provide further details on funding arrangements, transaction timing, and potential commercial implications of the partnership.
