InPost Parcel Lockers conquer Russia

The Integer.pl Group – an operator and provider of innovative postal and courier solutions as well as e-commerce services – is entering the Russian market. A total of approximately 440 parcel lockers will be installed on the streets of Russian cities.

As part of an agreement concluded by Integer.pl with iTech – a modern technology fund belonging to the QIWI Group – a special purpose vehicle called QIWI Post has been established, tasked with developing the parcel locker business in over 30 cities in Russia. The pilot phase starts as early as August 2011 and involves launching 40 machines in Moscow over the next 6 months. The QIWI Group will invest up to 30 million dollars in the project. The cooperation between Integer.pl and the QIWI Group, owner of 100,000 payment kiosks that are very popular in Russia, is a continuation of Integer.pl’s strategy to expand InPost Parcel Lockers in Central and Eastern European markets. The QIWI Group, through which 70% of internet traffic in Russia passes, handles 80% of the local e-commerce market. Expanding Integer.pl’s business reach into this region is the result of the Group’s declared strong entry into international markets in 2011.

– The contract with iTech is definitely another – after the agreement between Integer.pl and the Estonian public postal operator Eesti Post – very significant event in our company’s history. The QIWI Group, within which iTech operates, is a strong business partner that knows the realities of that market above all else, which is why we are convinced of the success of this venture. The agreement regarding the development of our services in Russia is another step towards having Parcel Lockers appear in every European country within the next three years. We focus on innovation, and Parcel Lockers are undoubtedly an excellent example of a high-level, world-class solution – said Rafał Brzoska, CEO of the Integer.pl Group.

The Integer.pl Group bases its foreign development on three business assumptions, centered around the parcel locker service:
• selling the technology itself (e.g., operations in Estonia)
• creating subsidiaries with local partners (e.g., the agreement for service development in Russia)
• large investments, under which the Integer.pl Group will independently launch Parcel Lockers in foreign markets

– Establishing cooperation with a Russian partner is a continuation of the intensive development of our business line based on Parcel Lockers. In 2011 alone, we are entering five European markets with this revolutionary postal and courier service. We are finalizing agreements in Ukraine, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. Furthermore, we have signed contracts with institutions from Estonia and Russia. At the same time, we are also conducting advanced talks with 20 partners from around the world. We expect that within the next few years, the Integer.pl Group’s revenues from foreign projects will amount to 20-40 million euros – adds Rafał Brzoska.

In Poland, Integer.pl has so far launched 420 parcel lockers across the country and plans to install another 200 units in 2011. The company aims to ultimately develop a network of 1,000 units in Poland by the end of 2012.