PostNL response to the ruling by the Dutch Trade and Industry Appeals Tribunal on the combination of postal networks

2 June 2022, The Hague, the Netherlands – PostNL has taken note of today’s ruling by the Dutch Trade and Industry Appeals Tribunal (CBb by its Dutch acronym). In line with a previous ruling by the lower court in Rotterdam, CBb has ruled that the Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Policy had been wrong to approve the consolidation. The ruling has no consequences for the combination of both networks, which is irreversible. Sandd’s network, buildings and other assets have been dismantled. Sandd employees are employed by PostNL or have found a job elsewhere.

Although the approval and corresponding conditions are no longer valid, PostNL will continue to adhere to them for now. PostNL concludes that the legality of the transaction is not at stake and will study the ruling.

The consolidation has kept postal services across the Netherlands reliable, accessible and affordable, and provided job security to thousands of mail deliverers.