GEODIS IRELAND LAUNCHES FORTEC PALLET

Dublin September 2007 - Geodis, which has major operations in Dublin, is to expand its operations in Ireland with the launch of Fortec Pallet a specialised new express pallet freight service between Ireland and the United Kingdom. Fortec Pallet provides palletised freight distribution and will offer a dedicated 24-hour express service from the United Kingdom to Dublin and Belfast yielding considerable savings for Irish businesses.

The United Kingdom remains Ireland's largest trading partner with over 84% of all goods transported to the UK from Ireland and 88% of goods imported to Ireland by Irish registered vehicles coming from the UK. The Fortec Pallet service is particularly suited to meet rapid freight requirements between the countries, thereby enhancing trade links.

As part of a pilot programme to evaluate the possibilities of using environmentally friendly 'green fuel', Geodis will also introduce into Fortec's Irish fleet its first articulated lorry to run on biodiesel. A full modification has been carried out on the HGV engine to use a biodiesel blend of plant by-products such as rapeseed, vegetable and other oils which reduce emissions. The converted vehicle will deliver palletised freight on the Ireland - UK route.

"We're very pleased to announce this expansion of our operations to include Fortec Pallet in Ireland," said David O'Brien, Chief Operating Officer Geodis Ireland. "We believe there is a strong demand for a high quality palletised service with next day delivery at a competitive cost. We anticipate that we will grow our share of this market considerably over the next five years and that we will employ additional people in this new operation."

The new Fortec 24 hour pallet delivery service into Ireland complements the existing 48 hour service and for the first time offers a closed network service to customers with Fortec using their own network for delivery

"Features of the Fortec Pallet service are very much tailored to meet customers' requirements. They include timed-deliveries, scanned PODs online in 24 hours, Saturday deliveries when required, book-in facilities and tail-lift deliveries free of charge. The rates are very competitive and there is also an economy rate option for Customers.", said Mr. O'Brien.

Freight bound for Ireland from around the UK will reach the new 140,000 square foot Fortec Hub near Rugby by midnight each day and be transhipped to Ireland the next morning, enabling next day delivery of those urgent palletised goods in Dublin and Belfast.