FedEx announced Tuesday it plans to cut up to 6,300 jobs in Europe as it eliminates staff duplication following the 2016 takeover of Dutch delivery service TNT.

FedEx said the downsizing will take place over an 18-month period following consultation with works council representatives across Europe and in accordance with local rules across the region.

The reorganization will cut between 5,500 and 6,300 jobs, the company said.

Karen Reddington, president of FedEx Express Europe, said such belt-tightening was "never easy" because of the impact on people, but that it was "crucial" to the company's future.

Fedex plans to cut up to 6,300 jobs in Europe over the next 18 months
Fedex plans to cut up to 6,300 jobs in Europe over the next 18 months AFP / HECTOR RETAMAL

The downsizing will be implemented with the "utmost care and respect for our affected team members" and will permit FedEx "to operate as one company offering greater coverage, speed of delivery, extended operational capabilities and enhanced service levels," according to a FedEx press release.

FedEx unveiled the acquisition of Dutch TNT Express in 2015 in an effort to give the Memphis-based delivery giant greater access to European markets.

European regulators had blocked a proposed takeover of TNT by FedEx's American rival, UPS, but concluded that the FedEx deal would not harm consumers and cleared the deal in January 2016.

FedEx said Tuesday it had completed "successful integration" with TNT across its information technology systems.

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