The partnership with DHL International, which began with the acquisition of a minority interest in 1998, is expanded and intensified in 2000. Negotiations were then concluded allowing Deutsche Post to establish a majority interest from January 1, 2002. In July 2002, Deutsche Post acquires a 25-percent share in DHL from Lufthansa Cargo and increases its majority stake to 75 percent.

At the time, DHL Worldwide Express had more than 71,000 employees worldwide. A pioneer in global express shipping, DHL's international network links over 220 countries and territories. DHL becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of the Group in December 2002 after Deutsche Post AG acquires the remaining shares from two investment funds and Japan Airlines.