Germany’s Deutsche Post has emerged as a potential bidder for a stake in Britain’s Royal Mail, as the UK government attempts to partially privatise the stateowned postal company. The parent of express and logistics giant DHL has joined a short list including TNT and CVC, a private equity company already active in the European postal industry.

The government says indicative bids are due in April and firm offers are expected in the summer. Business minister Peter Mandelson said a strategic partner would provide additional investment to prepare Royal Mail for the liberalisation of the European Union’s postal market in 2011.