SPSR Express

SPSR Express was a significant player in the Russian express delivery market, founded in 2001. The company initially focused on a narrow segment of express mail but rapidly expanded its services. A pivotal moment in the company's history occurred in January 2017, when it announced a merger with DPD Russia, a subsidiary of the French express operator GeoPost. This strategic consolidation was driven by the rapid growth of the e-commerce sector and the corresponding demand for B2C logistics services. The transaction was structured in stages, with GeoPost ultimately acquiring a 70% majority stake in the newly formed entity, while Elbrus Capital and SPSR Express management held the remaining 30%.

Prior to the merger, SPSR Express had established a robust infrastructure, including 9 distribution centers, 15 sorting facilities, and a network of 200 offices across Russia, supported by a fleet of over 1,000 vehicles. The company served both B2B and B2C clients, providing delivery services for documents, small parcels, and various types of cargo throughout Russia and internationally. A key client for SPSR Express was the Chinese e-commerce giant AliExpress, highlighting its strength in the cross-border e-commerce logistics segment. The business model focused on offering comprehensive logistics solutions, including order fulfillment services which encompassed goods storage, order assembly, packing, and forwarding to delivery services. The company also invested in technology, such as mobile acquiring to allow customers to pay with bank cards upon delivery, which accelerated cash flow for its retail partners.

The merger with DPD Russia was a strategic move to create the largest private express operator in the country. The deal combined SPSR's B2C and e-commerce competencies with DPD's established B2B service portfolio. Vladimir Solodkin, the CEO of SPSR Express, became the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the post-merger company, with DPD Russia's head, Nikolai Voinov, taking the CEO position. The integration aimed to create a universal service provider with an enhanced IT platform and expanded network, leveraging the strengths of both companies to dominate the Russian logistics market. The combined entity now operates under the DPD brand. Keywords: SPSR Express, DPD Russia, GeoPost, Elbrus Capital, logistics, express delivery, courier services, e-commerce logistics, parcel delivery, freight forwarding, supply chain, B2B logistics, B2C delivery, Vladimir Solodkin, Nikolai Voinov, Russian logistics market, cross-border shipping, order fulfillment, last-mile delivery, package tracking, AliExpress logistics partner, courier merger