Factors affecting our business

During the year under review we presented our new corporate strategy – Strategy 2015. To develop this strategy, we re-examined the main factors affecting our business. Although the corporate and economic environment has changed radically, we continue to believe that there are four trends that have a substantial impact on our business:

• Globalisation    The elimination of trade and customs barriers is enabling companies to develop new markets and move activities to locations that offer competitive advantages. As a result, international trade is growing along with demand for transport and logistics services. Against this backdrop, growth in the logistics industry will continue to outpace the growth of national economies. However, we expect that low-value, labour-intensive products will increasingly be produced in countries that are geographically close and have comparatively low wage levels. Also, for less time-critical shipments, demand for more fuel-efficient transport is expected to rise. Since we are well positioned in the traditionally low-wage countries of Eastern Europe and Latin America and our range of services covers all means of transport, we will benefit from this trend.
• Outsourcing    In times of economic difficulty, pressure on companies to reduce costs and streamline business processes increases. Activities that are not considered part of the core business are being outsourced to a greater extent. In addition, supply chains are becoming more complex and are being placed increasingly on an international footing. Accordingly, more and more customers are demanding integrated solutions that provide a comprehensive range of services. As a global, integrated logistics service provider, we also benefit from this trend.
• Digitalisation   The internet has changed the way in which information is exchanged. Physical communication channels are being replaced increasingly by electronic communication, which is leading to a decline in volumes and revenues in the traditional mail business in particular. On the other hand, the internet brings dealers and customers closer together and creates new demand for transport of goods, advertising materials and contract documentation. Again, this is a development that benefits us. Demand for binding, confidential and reliable electronic communication is growing on the virtual market.
• Climate change    Awareness of the environment and climate is increasing. Climate-neutral products are seeing growing demand. Furthermore, legislation is being passed to force companies to reduce their carbon dioxide emissions permanently. For us, a global leader in the logistics industry, it goes without saying that we will contribute to environmental protection. We offer our customers energy-saving transport options and climate-neutral products, and we have set an ambitious climate protection goal for ourselves.