4 April 2005
Media Release
Netlink contracts logistics to Express Couriers Ltd
ACP Media subsidiary Netlink Distribution Company (Netlink) announced today that it will outsource its logistics
business, worth $25million over five years, to Express Couriers Limited. Netlink has more than 50% of the retail market
share for logistics and distribution within the New Zealand magazine industry and the contract is believed to be one of
the largest in the market.
Express Couriers Limited, a joint venture between DHL and New Zealand Post, will take over the distribution
infrastructure currently owned and operated by Netlink, a move that will bring a singular and innovation focus to the
delivery supply chain. Netlink will continue to deliver subscription fulfilment, retailer account and publisher
management services, merchandising, call centre and customer services. Netlink and Express Couriers’ separate service
delivery networks will be fully integrated.
“Outsourcing the warehousing, pick-and-pack and linehaul delivery functions of the business will allow us to focus on
the elements of Netlink’s service offering where we can add most value,” says Netlink General Manager, Neil Aston.
Express Couriers CEO Mark Thompson says they are delighted to win the Netlink contract. “Express Couriers incorporates
all of New Zealand Post’s premium express and logistics brands including CourierPost, Pace!, SkyRoad and Contract
Logistics. This contract means Netlink customers, including more than 5,500 retailers, will get the best distribution
service in the country,” he says.
“Through the New Zealand Post network, Express Couriers has scale and flexibility unmatched by any other provider in New
Zealand,” agrees Mr Aston. “Coupled with Netlink’s sole focus on client services we’re confident that engaging Express
Couriers means our customers will receive the best distribution solutions available.”
The contract allows for Express Couriers to apply leading technologies and processes to the current model. This will
enable Netlink to provide a full track-and-trace service from print to point-of-sale.
”We are extremely excited about the opportunity to lead in the magazine distribution industry,” says Mr Thompson.
“Moving to real-time ordering will help reduce wastage and grow copy sales, thereby increasing retailers’ and
publishers’ profitability. We will also be able to offer customers transparency and accountability at all stages of the
distribution process.”
Express Couriers Limited will take over the logistics function from 1 July 2005.
ENDS
About Netlink
Netlink Distribution Company is New Zealand’s leading magazine distributor. The business is distinguished by its major
brands, including four of the six top magazine brands in New Zealand supermarkets. In addition to distributing many
market leading titles from independent publishers, Netlink distributes 52 publications from its parent company ACP
Media, New Zealand’s largest magazine publisher.
About Express Couriers
Express Couriers Ltd is a 50/50 joint venture between New Zealand Post and DHL incorporating New Zealand Post’s express
and logistics brands, CourierPost, Pace!, SkyRoad and Contract Logistics, as well as road and air linehaul operations.
Express Couriers is a standalone company reporting to a joint DHL and New Zealand Post board of directors.
About ACP Media
ACP Media is New Zealand’s leading magazine publisher. The company’s Consumer Division publishes some of the country’s
most popular magazines, including Woman’s Day, The Australian Women’s Weekly and Next, and iconic titles such as Metro
and North & South. Trader Group’s stable includes, Auto Trader, Motor Buyer’s Guide, The Car Dealer, Trade-A-Boat and Buy Sell & Exchange, as well as a number of associated online services including traderpoint.co.nz, autopoint.co.nz and
autobuy.co.nz. ACP Media’s Property Classifieds Division publishes a range of real estate advertising titles including
Property Press and Real Estate magazines and websites. ACP Media operates a national distribution network through its
subsidiary Netlink, which distributes publications to retailers across the country. ACP Media is a subsidiary of
Australian Consolidated Press Limited, a division of Publishing and Broadcasting Limited.