TNT said it could be forced to consider closing its German mail operations if it loses a court challenge to gain exemption from the German minimum wage for postal workers. But the Dutch post and courier group said it remained hopeful of success next month.

Germany introduced the €9.80 minimum wage for postal workers in December, before opening up the postal market to competition. But TNT and other groups planning to compete against Deutsche Post complained the rate was set deliberately high to prevent any serious challenge to the former monopoly.