DHL Announces a Spectacular Agreement to Support Cirque du Soleil as Official Logistics Partner

BONN, GERMANY--(Marketwired - Jan. 14, 2014) - DHL, the world's leading express and logistics provider, today announced that it will support Cirque du Soleil, a leading live entertainment company, as Official Logistics Partner. DHL will be integrated into Cirque du Soleil's supply chain activities, with its DHL Global Trade Fairs & Events team, a subsidiary of DHL Global Forwarding, Freight, supporting the event logistics of Cirque du Soleil Big Top and Arena tours worldwide. DHL will also provide global logistics support for the corporate headquarters of Cirque du Soleil in Montreal, Canada. The partnership will see the two global leaders in their respective industries engage in joint branding and marketing activities for their worldwide customer bases, partners and employees.

"Cirque du Soleil and DHL are a perfect fit," said Ken Allen, CEO, DHL Express. "We have both grown from entrepreneurial beginnings into global brands through a commitment to conquering new frontiers and amazing and delighting our customer bases. As we pool our respective strengths through this partnership, both brands' proven ability to innovate and deliver excellence will contribute to even more exciting customer experiences in the future. We look forward to replicating the breathtaking performances under the Cirque du Soleil Big Top in our own operations behind the scenes."

"Cirque du Soleil is delighted to be partnering with industry leader, DHL, as our official global logistics partner," said Finn Taylor, Senior Vice President, Touring Shows, Cirque du Soleil. "This is a fantastic alliance for us, marrying two beloved brands known for their commitment to excellence in their respective fields. With a global touring operation spanning over 150 locations across more than 6 continents, logistics is critical to the success of Cirque du Soleil. In announcing DHL as our worldwide Official Logistics Partner, we are delighted to have this opportunity to work with another global brand that shares our commitment to excellent quality. We look forward to integrating DHL's services into our supply chain and to introducing the Cirque du Soleil experience to new audiences and markets together."

The main logistics requirements of Cirque du Soleil consist of the set-up and "tear down" of shows and transfers between tour venues, including the use of air, sea and land transport and customs clearance services. A single Big Top show can involve the movement of up to 80 freight containers. The Canadian based entertainment company also has a range of standard supply chain requirements within its day-to-day business operations, including small package shipping, warehouse management and merchandise distribution.

A total audience of 15 million people is expected to attend any of the 19 Cirque du Soleil shows around the world in 2014.

You can find the press release for download as well as further information on http://www.dpdhl.com/pressreleases

DHL - The Logistics company for the world

DHL is the global market leader in the logistics industry and "The Logistics company for the world". DHL commits its expertise in international express, air and ocean freight, road and rail transportation, contract logistics and international mail services to its customers. A global network composed of more than 220 countries and territories and about 285,000 employees worldwide offers customers superior service quality and local knowledge to satisfy their supply chain requirements. DHL accepts its social responsibility by supporting environmental protection, disaster management and education.

DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL. The Group generated revenue of more than 55 billion euros in 2012.

For more information: www.dpdhl.com

About Cirque du Soleil

From a group of 20 street performers at its beginnings in 1984, Cirque du Soleil is a major Québec-based organization providing high-quality artistic entertainment. The company has 5,000 employees, including 1,300 artists from more than 50 countries.

Cirque du Soleil has brought wonder and delight to more than 100 million spectators in more than 300 cities in over 40 countries on six continents.

For more information about Cirque du Soleil, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com.