Royal Mail takes stake in e-commerce system

Royal Mail has taken a stake in Market Engine Global, an Australian e-commerce technology start-up that enables businesses to manage online shop fronts in global marketplaces.

The system integrates into e-commerce sites such as Tmall Global, enabling businesses to manage their online retail presence in different markets across the world, without the need for a bricks-and-mortar presence.

This includes local online shop front designs translated into the local language and integration with real-time business management and analysis systems, including inventory, reporting and sales analysis.

Royal Mail reckons this investment will help it align its business with the rapid growth in online shopping and e-retailing. It wants to develop new, high-growth revenue streams further up the value chain. Market Engine will also complement Royal Mail’s existing parcel services.

Nick Landon, managing director of Royal Mail Parcels, said: “I’m excited to announce our investment in Market Engine. We think we can leverage our scale and expertise to help Market Engine expand and accelerate its entrance into new markets, while identifying opportunities to incorporate its technology solutions within Royal Mail’s existing operations.”