History

Deutsche Post DHL's history at a glance

Over 500 years of age and more modern than ever, Deutsche Post DHL proves that large enterprises with a long history need not be stuck in the past. On the contrary over the last few years the company has gone through an unparalleled transformation. In a short period of time Deutsche Post has evolved from a government-controlled, national agency into a highly profitable global player.

Deutsche Post DHL's history at a glance
1490	Foundation of the modern postal system by Franz von Thurn und Taxis
1646	Prussian state postal service is founded by Elector Friedrich Wilhelm of Prussia
1874	Heinrich von Stephan initiates the founding of the Universal Postal Union
1924	Deutsche Reichspost is founded as an independent enterprise
1950	Foundation of Deutsche Bundespost
1989	Separation of Deutsche Bundespost into the companies Postdienst, Postbank and Telekom
1990	Integration of the former German Democratic Republic´s own Deutsche Post into Deutsche Bundespost
1995	Foundation of Deutsche Post AG, conversion of all three public sector companies into stock companies
1996	Postbank becomes a joint stock company
1997	Acquisition of the Danzas Group
1999	Deutsche Post becomes the owner of Postbank
1999	Deutsche Postbank acquires DSL Bank
2000	20 November: Deutsche Post AG goes public (IPO)
2002	Acquisition of the air express specialist DHL
2004	IPO of Deutsche Postbank AG
2005	Acquisition of the British logistics provider Exel plc
2006	Deutsche Postbank acquires BHW
2009	27 February: Sale of Deutsche Postbank AG
	11 March: Launch of strategy 2015 and a new company name called Deutsche Post DHL

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Further information

History of the Group