Bpost says no decision yet taken on Belgian press distribution contract (updated)

Bpost SA

27/11/2023 17:37

(Adds details in paragraph 4, CEO quote in paragraph 5)
       Nov 27 (Reuters) - Belgian postal operator bpost
 BPOST.BR  said on Monday no decision had yet been taken on a
concession to distribute Belgian newspapers, after media reports
on Friday that the government could opt for a competitor.
    "Today, the Council of Ministers met and, apparently, no
decision was taken concerning the press concession," the group
said in a statement.
    L'Echo and De Tijd reported on Friday, citing sources, that
the company had lost the tender and would not see its contract
to distribute daily newspapers renewed. The contract under
tender is for the 2024 to 2028 period. 
     The company said it had learned from media reports that no
decision was taken again on Monday, adding it regretted the
absence of a decision in this final phase of the award process. 
    "The ongoing uncertainty weighs heavily on the affected
employees and their families, especially in the run-up to
Christmas and New Year," Chief Executive Chris Peeters said.
    The company said its employees would continue to deliver the
newspapers and magazines as set out in the contract, until at
least the end of the year. ​
     Bpost shares fell around 11% on Monday. 

 (Reporting by Diana Mandiá; Editing by Jan Harvey and David
Evans)
 ((Rédaction de Paris +33 1 49 49 50 00;))