Private equity firm Advent International is reportedly spearheading a consortium exploring a massive takeover bid for InPost, the European e-commerce logistics giant that owns UK parcel carrier Yodel. The potential deal could value the company at more than €6 billion (£5.2 billion), according to a report from Sky News.
The Consortium and the Proposal
Sky News learned that Advent, which retains a minority stake in InPost after taking it public on the Euronext Amsterdam exchange in 2021, is leading the fresh bid. Banking sources suggested on Tuesday, 6 January 2026, that other major shareholders in the company may also be part of the acquiring consortium.
In response to the speculation and unusual trading activity, InPost issued a statement to the Amsterdam exchange. The company confirmed it had "received an indicative proposal regarding a potential acquisition of all shares in the company." A special committee of supervisory and management board members has been formed to evaluate the offer.
The statement emphasised that the committee would "carefully consider all aspects" to ensure stakeholder interests are protected, but cautioned that "there can be no assurance that this will lead to a transaction."
Market Reaction and Company Profile
The news triggered a sharp rise in InPost's share price, which jumped approximately 20% following the announcement. This surge gave the company a market capitalisation of around €5.8 billion. Despite this significant single-day gain, the stock remains down by nearly a fifth over the past year.
Headquartered in Poland, InPost has grown into one of the world's largest delivery and e-commerce logistics networks. Its operations span multiple countries, including the United Kingdom. In its most recent fiscal quarter, the company handled a staggering more than 350 million parcels across its markets.
Background and Potential Implications
Advent's history with InPost dates back to 2017 when it first invested. After the 2021 IPO, the private equity firm sold part of its holding to Czech investment group PPF. Analysts now speculate that PPF is likely involved in the current takeover discussions, given its substantial shareholding.
A successful buyout would mark a major consolidation in the competitive parcel delivery sector, which has expanded rapidly alongside the growth of online shopping. The move would see Advent, a former majority owner, retake control of the logistics firm nearly five years after its stock market debut.
Both Advent International and InPost have declined to comment further on the reports beyond the regulatory statement.
