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GLS Italy strengthens its 2C offering by acquiring one of Italy’s largest parcel shop networks

5-June-2023 | AMSTERDAM

GLS_prontopacco

GLS Italy strengthens its 2C offering by acquiring one of Italy’s largest parcel shop networks

  • GLS Italy acquires 100% of ProntoPacco, one of Italy’s largest parcel shop networks, with over 6,000 pick-up and drop-off points.
  • The move aligns with GLS’ strategy to differentiate in the B2C market by offering greater flexibility and convenience to its customers.
  • The acquisition allows GLS Italy to strengthen its position as a partner of excellence in the e-commerce sector.

Amsterdam, 5 june 2023 - GLS, a leading parcel service provider, announces the acquisition of 100% of the share capital of ProntoPacco, one of Italy’s largest parcel shop networks with over 6,000 pick-up and drop-off points. The acquisition is part of GLS' strategy, which is focused on providing a distinctive experience and high-quality in the last mile.

The acquisition of ProntoPacco allows GLS Italy to bolster their position as a partner of excellence in the e-commerce sector. Through their extensive and widespread network of parcel shops and the digital solutions offered, consumers will be able to collect and ship their parcels in a more convenient, flexible and digital way.

"This acquisition allows us to strengthen our national and international position in the fast growing B2C and C2C segments”, said Klaus Schädle, Group Area Managing Director of GLS. "Thanks to ProntoPacco's extensive network and the digital solutions offered, we are further cementing our relationships with existing e-commerce customers and attracting new ones looking for a reliable partner.”

“The announcement represents an important step forward for ProntoPacco and we are delighted to join the GLS family.”, said Luciano Colantuono, founder of ProntoPacco. “Our company has always placed the utmost importance on the quality of service provided to our customers and joining forces with GLS Italy will allow us to strengthen this commitment further.”

GLS Italy and ProntoPacco have been in partnership since April 2022. ProntoPacco will remain an open network and continue offering its services to other players in the last mile.

About GLS

GLS Group is one of the largest self-reliant parcel services providers in Europe, with a strong local presence in almost all countries across the continent. It also operates through wholly-owned subsidiaries in Canada and on the USA’s West Coast within one GLS network. This allows GLS to seamlessly connect its customers and communities with millions of parcels and stories every day. GLS is proactive regarding network management, connecting its markets flexibly and agilely to respond to their fast-changing and dynamic nature. The company takes pride in providing its customers across about 40 countries with high-quality service that best suits their needs. The GLS network consists of over 120 hubs and more than 1,600 depots, supported by approximately 35,000 final-mile delivery vehicles and 4,700 long-distance trucks. This offers network resilience, superior flexibility, and extended reach. In 2022/23, GLS generated record revenues of 5.4 billion euros and delivered 862 million parcels across the markets. For more information, visit www.gls-group.com.

About ProntoPacco

ProntoPacco is the online service that offers the opportunity to have eCommerce purchases delivered to a network of retail businesses (Pronto Pacco Points). ProntoPacco was created in 2014 from the idea of making it easier to manage the delivery of online purchases, sending parcels and returns. The process is entirely managed through the dedicated web portal www.prontopacco.it, which provides pickup points such as bars, newsstands and stores located throughout Italy. ProntoPacco currently has more than 6,000 PUDOs throughout Italy. The company's Mission is to make package delivery more flexible for those who buy on the Internet and do not have the possibility of having them delivered to their homes offering an effective solution for the user. The benefits also extend to the Collection Points because you will be able to offer and receive benefits from both their usual customers and new ones. ProntoPacco is the only service that allows the coffee shop, store or stationery store to always extend and gain on the flow of people coming to the Collection Point.