In 2022, Swiss Post invested 61 million in the takeover of technology companies, including T2i and Hacknowledge. In full development, the “communication services” segment, which brings together the various tech buyouts of the yellow giant, has doubled its workforce and revenues. Further acquisitions are expected in 2023.
In 2022, La Poste acquired several technology companies, including the Romand suppliers T2i (cyberadministration) and Hacknowledge (cybersecurity). The yellow giant also took a majority stake in Axsana (electronic patient record), while its subsidiary SwissSign acquired Sysmosoft. Overall, Swiss Post has invested 61 million francs mainly in these takeovers, we learn from the 2022 financial results of the public service company.
These companies and those acquired previously have been brought together in the “communication services” segment, which has been operational since 2021. Last year, this activity doubled its workforce and now has nearly 500 employees. During the year, segment revenues jumped 92% to reach 73 million francs. This increase is explained by the takeovers in 2021 of Tresorit, SwissSign and Dialog Verwaltungs-data.
However, these purchases weighed on operating expenses, which increased by 27 million francs to reach 145 million francs. The “communication services” segment therefore remains loss-making, with a loss of 72 million francs. “The Communication Services result is negative, as expected, and its development is proceeding according to schedule. We see that the financial health of Swiss Post is healthy – we are willing and able to invest in digital offers that meet the future requirements of our customers,” explains Alex Glanzmann, Head of Finance.
For 2023, La Poste intends to continue developing its digital skills “through targeted acquisitions, particularly in the field of communication with customers”. The establishment also wishes to expand its offer of B2B digital solutions with the attachment of partners and their services.