We are pleased to announce that MBE Worldwide (“MBE”) has acquired Mail Boxes Etc. (UK) Limited (“MBE UK & Ireland”) from the former Master Licensee adding the UK and Republic of Ireland to the existing community of ‘directly operated’ countries, comprising Italy, Spain, Germany, France, Poland, Portugal, US, Canada, Australia and the Netherlands. Total number of Service centers operating under the Mail Boxes Etc. brand is 1,667, out of 2,800 global Service centers in 53 countries worldwide.
MBE Worldwide is a leading third-party provider of shipping, fulfillment, print and marketing solutions and operates under different complementary brands: Mail Boxes Etc. (except the US & Canada), AlphaGraphics, PostNet, Spedingo.com, Print Speak, Pack & Send and Multicopy.
MBE focuses on the first and last mile of shipping services mainly in the express courier business segment and serves as a local provider of customised marketing and print solutions. MBE has a solid track record of fast-paced growth, both through organic growth – driven by a solid and innovative core business – and acquisitions which are one of the key pillars of the company’s long term strategic plan.
MBE UK & Ireland, founded in 1993 and based in Oxfordshire, is a well-established company with robust long-term plans operating in the Retail Shipping, Print and Mailbox services, with 153 Centers providing strong added value to its customers – primarily businesses, (small- and medium-sized enterprises), as well as consumers. MBE UK & Ireland will retain its current management team, its headquarters will remain in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire.
“This is an exciting development for the MBE UK & Ireland franchise system” said Simon Cowie, Chairman – Mail Boxes Etc. (UK) Limited. “Combining forces with MBE Worldwide creates unique opportunities for synergy with our colleagues, harnessing their strong franchise-based experience, to support our franchise network and grow our business in the UK & Ireland”.
“This acquisition demonstrates the MBE Worldwide commitment to growing the Mail Boxes Etc. brand and network of post, parcel & print Centers across core European markets, at a time of trade disruption caused by the impact of Brexit, as well as the global Covid-19 pandemic” said Francis Laryea, Managing Director – Mail Boxes Etc. (UK) Limited.
“MBE UK & Ireland is an excellent addition to our directly operated countries because of its entrepreneur‐driven, people‐centric, customer‐first business model, which embodies our MBE business and culture” said Paolo Fiorelli, Chairman and CEO – MBE Worldwide. “We welcome and are excited to work even closer with the team, to provide high-value solutions to our business and consumer customers in the UK & Ireland market”.
