XPO Doing Well in Europe 'continues to grow at a good pace.'
Also delivering on cross-selling which basically is what our whole structure of verticals is about.
'We will also be able to support our existing customers in the United States when they operate in Europe. We are already delivering on some opportunities.'
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Published on 10/10/2015 at 07:00 Viewed 2820 times
EX-Norbert Dentressangle. Bradley Jacobs: "The activity of XPO Logistics is doing well in Europe"
Bradley Jacobs is CEO of XPO Logistics, the group that took control of Norbert Dentressangle in April. The US leader made an initial assessment and is very satisfied with the work done by the teams, including the European headquarters of the company, based in Lyon.
> After Norbert Dentressangle in April, you announced in September the acquisition of Con - way? Do you have any other acquisition projects, especially in Europe?
After the acquisition of Norbert Dentressangle and Con-Way, our priority is to ensure good operational integration activities to be a real international platform optimized.
> What goal have you taken control of Norbert Dentressangle?
Norbert Dentressangle was for us a leading company, strong of a long experience and with a strong portfolio of leading clients. The goal now is to continue and strengthen our collaboration with these clients. We will also be able to support our existing customers in the United States when they operate in Europe. We are already delivering on some opportunities. Norbert Dentressangle customers renew their confidence. We just signed important contracts in Europe, for example with Nestl Purina in France, Carrefour in Spain and Tesco in the UK. The activity of XPO Logistics is doing well in Europe.
> What level of return you expect from your activities in Europe?
We intend to continue to make progress, particularly through the sharing and development of good management principles.
> Why is the former CEO of Norbert Dentressangle-Herv has Montjotin he was replaced by Troy Coopers after only five months of working together with you?
I have great respect for the qualities of leader and manager Herve Montjotin. We all agreed that there was a problem of efficiency in our governance. Herv Montjotin chose to turn to other personal projects and we have established a more direct management. There, I insist on this point, a real continuity of the European management teams that ensure the daily conduct of operations.
> In April, you announced your intention not to touch the job for at least 18 months. Is that still your intention?
Yes, without hesitation. We have 43,000 employees in the company and there is a strong continuity in the composition of teams. If there is movement, it will report to the natural life of the business and not making related to integration. It is progressing well and the company continues to grow at a good pace. I am very satisfied with the work done by the teams, including Lyon (European headquarters), in Beausemblant (Transport) and Malakoff (Logistics).
> You are opposed to Elliot Capital before the Paris Commercial Court. What do you expect the hearing on 24 November?
I do not know what the outcome of the hearing, only technique, in November. What I can say is that for XPO Logistics, how Elliott has acquired a stake in Norbert Dentressangle SA was made by unfair means and in violation of the obligations of transparency and regulation of public offers. Elliott is pursuing a strategy of harassment which damages the company.
> In March 2016, XPO Logistics has another appointment in a French court in Valencia, Norbert Dentressangle, having been accused of social dumping. Again, what do you expect from this trial?
I do not know what the outcome of these proceedings, but I am very confident about our ability to convince of the merits of our positions.
> On the acquisition of Norbert Dentressangle, you also announced your intention to maintain in France European decision-making centers? Is this still the case?
Yes I do. I appreciate the quality of the French management. It's one of the reasons that led us to make the acquisition of Norbert Dentressangle whose founder knew very well surrounded.
Interview by Frank Viart