Alibaba Group and Bolloré Group today announced a global partnership agreement in the fields of cloud services, innovation and digital transformation, clean energy and mobility, as well as logistics.
The companies signed an extensive Memorandum of Understanding outlining the areas in which they will collaborate and and develop a number of joint projects through their respective business units and subsidiaries, including Alibaba Cloud, Cainiao Smart Logistic Network, Bolloré Logistics and Blue Solutions (Blue apps, such as Autolib, Bluecarsharing; Bluebus; Bluetram; Bluestorage-stationary apps; IER; and Polyconseil).
Both groups decided in addition to share their expertise and market knowledge to explore new business opportunities, notably in China, Europe and Africa.
Cyrille Bolloré, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Bolloré Group, commented on this alliance: ” We are delighted to have concluded this comprehensive partnership agreement with a leading international company such as Alibaba Group. We are looking forward to working with them and their subsidiaries to develop business in our respective markets and join forces in other parts of the world. The many areas of cooperation and several joint projects already identified by our respective teams are particularly promising. We are also very pleased by our common willingness to share best practice and expertise that will be of strong benefit to all our companies.”
Simon Hu, Senior Vice President of Alibaba Group and President of Alibaba Cloud, said: “Today’s landmark partnership marks an exciting step towards Alibaba Cloud’s goal to empower our customers with our inclusive and cutting-edge technology. We are proud to bring our cloud computing, big data and AI technology to the Bolloré Group and support their vision of being the pioneers in digital transformation. The sophisticated cloud services provided by Alibaba Cloud and the expertise of Bolloré Group will complement each other and create synergy in servicing our customers more effectively as well as providing them the opportunity to succeed in digital age.”
Cloud computing and innovation
As part of the agreement, Alibaba Cloud, the computing arm of Alibaba Group, will provide a comprehensive suite of solutions to the Bolloré Group, encompassing cloud computing capabilities, big data, artificial intelligence, content delivery network and security solutions, which will be combined with the knowledge and strength of the Bolloré Group to create joint value proposition.
Smart and clean mobility and clean energy
Main joint initiatives and projects in the field of smart and clean mobility and clean energy include that Alibaba Group and Blue Solutions will explore the opportunity to co-develop solutions for Internet electric cars and buses, bringing the Internet experience (voice control, multimedia, navigation and autonomous driving) to the driving experience. Both companies will also jointly explore cooperation opportunities in the development of car-sharing solutions in China.
Logistics collaboration in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe
Bolloré Logistics, a global leader in international transport and logistics, number 1 in France and Africa, and among the top 10 players in the world in collaboration with Cainiao Smart Logistics Network, the logistics business of Alibaba Group, will work to identify cooperation opportunities with their respective logistics capabilities, hubs and networks, in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe.
Both companies will also share best practices and will look into the development of some joint software and data management solutions.
Terry von Bibra, General Manager Europe, Alibaba Group, said: “We are extremely pleased to kick off this collaboration with a such a prominent player across key industries as the Bolloré Group. As a global technology company, digital transformation and innovation in all fields are fundamental drivers of Alibaba’s mission of making it easy to do business anywhere, with the ultimate goal of better serving our consumers and stakeholders worldwide, today and tomorrow. Hence, we are confident that the expertise and skills brought by both partner groups will generate incredible value and opportunities as the partnership unfolds.”
Established in 1822, the Bolloré Group is one of the 500 largest companies in the world. Listed on the Paris Stock Exchange, the majority interest of the Group’s stock is always controlled by the Bolloré family. This stable majority control of its capital allows the Group to develop a long-term investment policy. Thanks to a diversification strategy based on innovation and on international development, it now holds strong positions in all its activities around three business lines, Transportation and Logistics, Communication, Electricity Storage and solutions. In addition to its activities, the Group manages a number of financial assets including plantations and financial investments.
Alibaba Group’s mission is to make it easy to do business anywhere. The company aims to build the future infrastructure of commerce. It envisions that its customers will meet, work and live at Alibaba, and that it will be a company that lasts at least 102 years.
Image over the headline.- An Autolib carsharing vehicle. Image from Autolib Carsharing wall on Facebook.
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