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Bosses are understood to be keen to emphasise that the postal service is at an inflection point as it pushes through a turnaround plan for its struggling letters business.
Insiders pointed to the company’s strongest Christmas performance in four years, as well as an ongoing review by Ofcom into its regulatory requirement to deliver letters six days a week. Royal Mail’s performance would likely improve if the watchdog agrees on money saving changes.
One source said Martin Seidenberg, IDS’s chief executive, was “reasonably calm” about the company’s prospects in the face of the shock takeover bid.
Mr Kretinsky is already the largest shareholder in IDS with a holding of 27.5pc through his company EP Group. But his efforts to take full control of the business are likely to prove controversial given Royal Mail’s critical role in British life.
The tycoon, who is also an investor in Sainsbury’s and West Ham Football Club, was previously subjected to a national security investigation when he increased his stake above 25pc in 2022, though this was ultimately approved.
Sir Vince Cable, who oversaw the privatisation of Royal Mail in 2013, has called on ministers to carry out a fit and proper person test on Mr Kretinsky.
In a statement this week, EP Group said it “recognises that Royal Mail is an important national asset”, adding that it would be “prepared to support this iconic business as it transforms and rebuilds into a modern postal operator”.
Any swoop on Royal Mail is also likely to face opposition from the posties union, which has called for the company to be renationalised.
Dave Ward, general secretary of the Communication Workers Union (CWU), said: “The vulnerability of Royal Mail Group to this type of bid is a clear demonstration of how privatisation has failed.”
Royal Mail declined to comment.
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