You've got (to know) Mail Boxes Etc.
Who is Mail Boxes Etc?
Mail Boxes Etc. (MBE) is a leading third-party provider of shipping, fulfilment, print and marketing solutions to small and medium enterprises (SME) and general consumers globally, mostly through their network of independently owned and operated franchised locations. The company incorporates complementary brands to produce multiple revenue streams. These include, Mail Boxes Etc., AlphaGraphics, PostNet, Spedingo.com, Print Speak, Pack & Send and Multicopy.
The evolution of Mail Boxes Etc.
In 1980, Mail Boxes Etc. was founded in San Diego, California (USA) by the trio of Gerald Aul, Pat Senn and Robert Dias. In 1993, Mail Boxes Etc. was introduced in Italy by Graziano Fiorelli, as master franchisee for the MBE brand. Since opening their pilot centre in 1992 the Italian MBE network has grown to over 500 centres. MBE Italy subsequently acquired the MBE master franchise rights for Spain, Germany and Austria.
By the year 2000, the company has expanded to 4,000 locations. This included advancements into Europe and also into Asia. A year later, in 2001, the shipping company UPS acquired Mail Boxes Etc. Inc, in North America. In 2003 UPS started to rebrand the MBE network of retail centres into “The UPS Store,” in both the USA and Canada.
In 2009, MBE Worldwide S.p.A., the family-owned Italian holding company based in Milan, Italy - the same company that took on the master licence in 1993 for Mail Boxes Etc., acquired the worldwide network of MBE Service Centres (with the exception of North America). By the end of the decade, MBE’s aggregated network turnover hit over €330 million.
The year 2017, saw MBE Worldwide acquire two US-based companies, PostNet International Franchise and AlphaGraphics, to expand its network of service centres in the USA, Canada, South Africa plus a few additional countries. In the same year, MBE Worldwide also acquired a majority stake of logistics market place Spedingo.
During 2018, MBE Worldwide commenced strategically acquiring majority ownership positions in operating companies of successful, existing MBE network partners. Starting in Italy, Spain and the USA. This strategy has evolved into a growing internal network of Directly Operated Stores (DOS). These investments in proven MBE entrepreneurs demonstrate MBE's determination and ability to capitalise on and further develop its know-how, capabilities and presence for the benefit of the entire MBE Network.
In order to drive additional long-term growth, MBE Worldwide recently announced a definitive agreement with funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. for them to acquire up to a 40% ownership interest in MBE Worldwide via a phased €120 million reserved capital increase. Current MBE shareholders, the Fiorelli Family, continue to own the majority of the business.
MBE today
As of 2021, MBE has over 2,800 service centres across 53 countries worldwide. This included the addition of 100 new service centres in 2020, while further expanding into two new countries: Belgium and Saudi Arabia. The company now employs in excess of 11,000 people and services over 650,000 business customers. The company’s expanding nature saw MBE close 2020 with €879 million in system wide sales.
Growth trends have continued in 2021, following on from the boom in the last quarter of 2020. This performance speaks to the value of the personalised, high-quality solutions the MBE Network offers, both in logistics operations for the ecommerce market, and in providing the marketing support businesses need as we approach the restart phase after the pandemic.
MBE Chairman & CEO, Paolo Fiorelli believes the world came together to get through the global challenges of 2020. And that we are seeing a return to a “new normal” throughout MBE’s markets.
“Despite the Covid-19 pandemic heavily affecting people’s lives and businesses, 2020 was a solid year for us,” says Mr Fiorelli. “Both our local entrepreneurs and our corporate teams demonstrated an incredible level of resilience. We have been able to maximise opportunities in the shipping segment, which helped to make up for the slow recovery of the printing business. Furthermore, we were able to close two acquisitions — PACK & SEND and Multicopy — that will help us grow our competitive position and ability to serve customers globally,” he said.
Business card
Minimum investment: €25,000
Total investment: €60,000
Franchise fees: €25,000
Royalty fee: 6%
Advertising fee: 4%
Average floor space: 44sqm
Expected revenue after 2 years: 100,000
*Costs are estimates only and vary depending on site and locatoin. For more information, please contact one of our franchsing specialists.
UK Franchisee, Shahrim Bashiri operates 7 MBE centres across London / “The Head Office is always very supportive. They’re always looking for new leads, helping me to grow customer-base. If there’s ever any problem, they’re always very reachable and easy to contact, then fully supportive to help me find the solution. My future is looking bright, with Mail Boxes Etc.!” 
read articles
Saudi laws create franchising boost
/2023-02-11
New laws and development funds are creating a new era of growth and opportunity in Saudi Arabia.
- At the first meeting we often disprove the myth that forwarding activity requires the purchase of a fleet of trucks - says Ewa Kozłowska, Expansion Manager at Northgate Logistics.
With a favourable market, a vibrant commercial environment and thriving investment activities, Saudi Arabia has become a burgeoning investment hub in the Middle East.
"The training and support of our master franchisees is based on 40 years of experience in the business," says Maria Ilicheva, Worldwide Development Supervisor, Mail Boxes Etc.
The 20th annual Warsaw Franchise Fair will be held on October 20-22. Find out which franchise representatives will be on show to talk about their brands.
most read
The Top 10 Franchising Books
/2021-06-28
If you are thinking about purchasing a franchise or franchising your own company, these books are a great place to start.
Master franchising is used to accelerate business growth in a whole new region with minimum resource commitments.
The idea of tapping into new global markets is financially appealing to any ambitious business owner.
Thinking of franchising in the European Union? Find out exactly who regulates franchising in the world’s biggest single market.
A franchise package, otherwise known as a franchise license is at the heart of every franchise system. It contains the franchisors complete business concept from A to Z.