EXPRESS

Market Shares

Historically, the global express market has grown at an average of 6% to 8% each year. Although growth has now slowed notably in line with the general economic downturn - decreasing from 3.7% in 2007 to 2.8% in 2008 - our business is still driven by globalisation. We maintain a strong position in all parts of the world and are the market leader in international express shipments in all regions outside of the United States.

2008 proved to be highly unusual, with the economic downturn accelerating during the course of the year, our gradual exit from the domestic US express business and strongly fluctuating fuel prices. On the following pages we describe the development of our market shares in all EXPRESS regions.

Europe

We maintained our leading position in Europe's international market for courier, express and parcel services (CEP), even broadening our position in Eastern Europe. Our market position has developed as follows:

• In 2007, the European CEP market increased to €15.3 billion, up from €12.1 billion a year earlier.
• E-commerce was responsible for most of this growth, whilst the addition of Eastern European countries to the region during the reporting period also played a role.
• In 2008, the economy negatively impacted volume growth. Moreover, air express shipments continued to decrease in favour of more economical ground transport.
• With more than 24% market share we are the clear leader in the European international express market with especially strong growth in Eastern European markets and a strong foothold in the domestic markets.
• We have expanded our market leading pre-12 delivery coverage in Europe. Our teams are now capable of delivering before midday to more than 94% (previous year: 80%) of all business addresses in Europe and can now even offer the pre-12 delivery capability to about 55 countries across 4 regions.