Global powerhouse MBE Worldwide has widened its ever-expanding powerbase by acquiring the master licensee of Mail Boxes Etc. (UK) Limited. This latest move adds new UK and Republic of Ireland territories to MBE‘s existing and extensive world-wide community.
MBE focuses their business on the first and last mile of shipping services. They specialise in express courier collections and deliveries, while operating as a local provider of customised marketing and print solutions.
Over the years MBE has expanded quickly both through organic growth, as well as acquisitions – such as the buying out of the Oxfordshire-based UK wing of Mail Boxes Etc. With headquarters in Chipping Norton, Mail Boxes Etc. (UK) Limited operates a high street network of post, parcel and print centres, which also stretch into the Republic of Ireland.
There are more than 150 Mail Boxes Etc. locations in Great Britain and Ireland, which form part of a global network of over 1,650 offices. Franchisees collect, deliver and distribute for both businesses and private customers, with services including design, print and mailbox rental.
Meanwhile, MBE Worldwide is a leading third-party provider of shipping, fulfilment, print and marketing solutions. Among the brands they operate are AlphaGraphics, PostNet, Spedingo.com, Print Speak, Pack & Send and Multicopy. They are also licensed to run numerous Mail Boxes Etc. outlets outside of the United States and Canada.
Simon Cowie, chairman of Mail Boxes Etc. (UK) Limited, said: “This is an exciting development for MBE‘s Great Britain & Ireland franchise system. By combining forces with MBE Worldwide, it creates unique opportunities for synergy with our colleagues. It will harness their strong franchise-based experience, to support our franchise network and grow our business in the UK and Ireland.”
And Francis Laryea, managing director of Mail Boxes Etc. (UK) Limited, added: “This acquisition demonstrates MBE Worldwide‘s commitment to growing the Mail Boxes‘ brand, as well as our network of post, parcel and print centres across core European markets. This is particularly important during a time of trade disruption caused by the impact of Brexit, as well as the global Covid-19 pandemic.”
Founded in 1993, and with its Great Britain and Ireland head office in Chipping Norton, Mail Boxes Etc. currently have 153 service centres across the country. They serve the needs of many small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as loyal consumers. The current management team will remain in their roles at the company’s Oxfordshire HQ.
As for MBE Worldwide, it is a privately-owned company based in Milan, and a third-party provider of shipping, print and marketing solutions for SMEs and retail consumers. Their global network of largely independently-owned businesses operates in more than 50 countries and at 2,800 locations. They specialise in offering easy-to-access distribution of products, providing a high level of customer service. Worldwide annual sales exceed €870m. Within this giant network, over 1,600 centres are run by Mail Box franchisees.
Paolo Fiorelli, chairman and chief executive of MBE Worldwide, stressed: “Britain and Ireland is an excellent addition because of its entrepreneur-driven, people-centric, customer-first business model. We will continue to provide high-value solutions to our business and consumer customers in this market. This is a great time to join the MBE network in the UK and Republic of Ireland. Entrepreneurs will be reassured by the size, strength and expertise brought by MBE Worldwide.”
