Blue Dart Extends Footprint To Sri Lanka

Signs Regional Alliance Agreement with the Hayleys Group

Mumbai : August 31, 2004

Blue Dart Express Limited, South Asia's largest integrated air express courier and logistics company today announced a Regional Alliance Agreement with the Hayleys Group of Sri Lanka. Customers from Sri Lanka and India will now have access to the most reliable and speedy transportation, distribution and delivery services for their documents, packages and critical supply chain needs between both countries.

The alliance will focus on enabling the Blue Dart brand experience through quality and dedicated express infrastructure to service the widest geographical reach between the two countries. Blue Dart's integrated network will touch customers in over 13,700 locations in India and 400 locations in Sri Lanka, and support deliveries with real-time tracking systems. Blue Dart is a domestic leader in India with a 39% market share, and already has a presence in the SAARC region countries of Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal. With its network and brand in Sri Lanka, Blue Dart is consolidating its regional dominance to meet emerging trade demands in the region.

Speaking on the occasion, Tulsi Nowlakha Mirchandaney, Senior Vice President - Marketing & Projects, Blue Dart Express Limited said, "The alliance assures advantages to regional business through Blue Dart's reliable and extensive integrated infrastructure coupled with unmatched standards of service quality and technology support. We have built the best integrated delivery system in India, and we now plan to put in place the kind of delivery capability for this region that no one else in the region can offer".

Mohan Pandithage, Director, Hayleys Group of Companies said, "With Sri Lanka poised to be a major hub for logistics and distribution in the SAARC region, efficient distribution will play an important role in facilitating trade. We are delighted to join hands with Blue Dart to bring their proven expertise and best practices to Sri Lanka. Together with Hayleys' strengths in transportation and logistics, we aim to be the preferred service provider in the region and support business and commerce as demand within the region grows and evolves".

About Blue Dart

Blue Dart, South Asia's leading courier and integrated air express package distribution company, with a market share of 39% and dedicated aviation infrastructure, offers secure and reliable delivery of consignments to over 13,700 locations in India and 800 locations in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Blue Dart was selected a Superbrand from over 700 brands across 98 categories in India. The Blue Dart team drives marketplace leadership through its motivated people force, unique aviation system, cutting edge technology, innovation and value-added services to deliver unmatched standards of service quality to its customers.

About Hayleys Group

Hayleys is one of the largest blue chip conglomerates in Sri Lanka, and plays an important role in the country's economic progress with a portfolio of globally competitive core businesses spanning Transportation, Logistics, Coir, Rubber, Environment, Agriculture, Plantations, Inland Marketing, Knitted Fabrics, Tourism, Financial Services, Information Technology and Infrastructure. It contributes to the nation 2.3% of the country's gross export earnings, and 1.3% of GDP. Transportation and Logistics has evolved into a very important business unit with major investments in a container yard, a 100,000 sq. ft. Distribution Centre, 1,100 TEU container vessel and a 21% stake in Sri Lanka's only shipyard, Colombo Dockyard Limited.

For further information contact :
marketing@bluedart.com
Dated :August 31, 2004