Deutsche Post Ag plans to expand faster than the market and increase revenue over the next five years on the back of growth within its logistics and express divisions.

Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) at the DHL unit is anticipated to rise on average by between 13 and 15 per cent until 2015, up from more than EUR1.3 billion (US$1.8 billion) this year, the company said. Group sales will outstrip market growth by one to two percentage points annually during this period, according to Deutsche Post.

Deutsche Post, Europe's largest mail carrier, exited unprofitable domestic express businesses in the US, UK and France and is relying on booming trade in Asia to cut its dependence on the German mail unit, reported Bloomberg. That division - in decline as customers substitute e-mail for physical letters - will stabilise earnings at about EUR1 billion after contributing as much as EUR1.2 billion this year, the report said.

"In future years, our focus will be directed clearly at generating growth, in terms of both earnings and revenues," said chief executive officer Frank Appel.

Source: Shipping Gazette