Royal Mail hit with French competition probe

French authorities have alleged that Royal Mail’s parcel delivery arm, GLS France, has breached competition laws, the postal service said today.

Royal Mail said this morning that the notice received from the Autorité de la Concurrence was connected to a broader investigation into the industry in France.

The group, which is 30 per cent owned by the UK government, said: “We are currently considering the notice received from the French regulator.

“Given the early stage of this matter, we cannot yet determine the amount or range of potential loss; however, it is possible that it could be material.”

Royal Mail said it would update the market on developments in the probe “at the appropriate time”.