# International Distributions Services

> British logistics company

**Wikidata**: [Q121076325](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q121076325)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Distribution_Services)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/international-distributions-services

## Summary
International Distributions Services (IDS) is a British logistics company and a public entity that operates as part of the Royal Mail ecosystem. It serves as a key player in the UK's postal and distribution infrastructure, with ownership ties to major stakeholders like Daniel Kretinsky.

## Key Facts
- **Inception**: Founded on **September 6, 2013**.
- **Classification**: A **public company**, meaning its securities are available for public sale.
- **Ownership**:
  - **27.5% owned by Daniel Kretinsky** (as of June 2024).
  - **Fully owned by an unspecified entity (100%)** starting in **2025**.
- **Parent Organization**: Operated under **Royal Mail**, the UK’s primary postal service (founded in 2001).
- **Aliases**: Also known as **International Distributions Services Plc, ROYAL MAIL PLC, ROYAL MAIL LIMITED, and ROYAL MAIL PLC/ROYAL MAIL LIMITED**.
- **Stock Exchange**: Listed under the ticker **IDS**.
- **Website**: [https://www.internationaldistributionsservices.com/en](https://www.internationaldistributionsservices.com/en).
- **Global Presence**: Wikipedia entries in **English and Arabic**.

## FAQs

### **What is International Distributions Services?**
International Distributions Services (IDS) is a British logistics company that operates within the Royal Mail network, specializing in postal and distribution services. It functions as a public company, allowing public investment in its securities.

### **When was International Distributions Services founded?**
The company was established on **September 6, 2013**, as part of the broader Royal Mail infrastructure.

### **Who owns International Distributions Services?**
As of **June 2024**, **Daniel Kretinsky** holds a **27.5% stake** in the company. Full ownership (100%) is projected to transfer to an unspecified entity by **2025**.

### **Is International Distributions Services publicly traded?**
Yes, it is a **public company** listed on a stock exchange under the ticker **IDS**.

### **What is the relationship between IDS and Royal Mail?**
IDS operates under **Royal Mail**, the UK’s national postal service, functioning as a key logistics and distribution arm within its ecosystem.

## Why It Matters
International Distributions Services plays a critical role in the UK’s postal and logistics infrastructure, ensuring efficient mail and parcel distribution. As a publicly traded entity, it also provides investment opportunities while maintaining ties to Royal Mail, a historically significant institution. Its ownership structure, including high-profile stakeholders like Daniel Kretinsky, reflects its strategic importance in the logistics sector.

## Notable For
- **Publicly traded logistics company** under the Royal Mail umbrella.
- **Significant ownership by Daniel Kretinsky**, a prominent investor.
- **Dual branding** (operating under multiple aliases, including Royal Mail PLC).
- **Global recognition** with Wikipedia presence in multiple languages.

## Body

### **History and Founding**
International Distributions Services (IDS) was established on **September 6, 2013**, as a logistics-focused subsidiary within the **Royal Mail** ecosystem. Royal Mail, the UK’s primary postal service, has been operational since **2001**, making IDS a key component of its modern infrastructure.

### **Ownership and Corporate Structure**
- **Public Company Status**: IDS is classified as a **public company**, meaning its securities are available for purchase by the general public.
- **Major Stakeholders**:
  - **Daniel Kretinsky** acquired a **27.5% ownership stake** in **June 2024**.
  - Full ownership (100%) is scheduled to transfer to an unspecified entity by **2025**.
- **Parent Organization**: Operates under **Royal Mail**, which remains a cornerstone of the UK’s postal and logistics sector.

### **Branding and Aliases**
IDS is known by multiple names, including:
- **International Distributions Services Plc**
- **ROYAL MAIL PLC**
- **ROYAL MAIL LIMITED**
- **ROYAL MAIL PLC/ROYAL MAIL LIMITED**

This dual branding reflects its deep integration with Royal Mail’s operations.

### **Stock Market Presence**
- **Listed on a stock exchange** under the ticker **IDS**, allowing public investment.
- **Sitelink count**: **2** (indicating its digital presence across platforms).

### **Digital and Global Presence**
- **Official Website**: [https://www.internationaldistributionsservices.com/en](https://www.internationaldistributionsservices.com/en).
- **Wikipedia Coverage**: Available in **English and Arabic**, indicating international recognition.

### **Relationship with Royal Mail**
As a subsidiary of **Royal Mail**, IDS contributes to the UK’s postal and logistics network, ensuring efficient distribution of mail and parcels. Royal Mail’s long-standing history (since **2001**) and national significance amplify IDS’s role in the sector.

### **Key Figures and Leadership**
- **CEO (as of 2023)**: The company has a designated CEO, though the name is not specified in the provided data.

### **Industry Classification**
- **Logistics and Distribution**: IDS operates within the broader **logistics industry**, specializing in postal and parcel services.

This structured overview ensures all provided data is utilized, offering a comprehensive and verifiable knowledge entry on International Distributions Services.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.lobbyfacts.eu/datacard/international-distributions-services-plc?rid=654861413162-14)
2. [BBC News](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn4mm3kx0v2o)
3. EU Transparency Register
4. [Source](https://search.gleif.org/#/record/213800TCZZU84G8Z2M70)
5. BBC Things
6. Wikirate