Dutch postal operator PostNL (PTNL.AS) on Friday lost its second bid this year for financial support from the Dutch government after a tribunal again rejected the request, saying the state was under no obligation to grant it a subsidy.
The interim relief judge said the Netherlands' Trade and Industry Appeals Tribunal was not convinced that the company's situation was so dire that it required the Minister of Economic Affairs to provide financial support this year and next as requested.
PostNL had previously asked the state for a financial contribution to cover costs of 30 million euros ($35.1 million) in 2025 and 38 million in 2026, a request rejected by the Dutch government in early August and susequently appealed.
"The burden on PostNL could be alleviated through financial support, or the UPD obligations could be relaxed," a statement from the Dutch tribunal said, referring to rules obliging PostNL to deliver post throughout the Netherlands at regulated rates.
"The Minister prefers this."
Shares in the group were down 0.7% by 0819 GMT.
($1 = 0.8542 euros)
