Mail Boxes Etc. (UK) is now part of the MBE Worldwide network, in a move that adds the UK and Republic of Ireland to the existing community of countries whose networks are directly operated by the global master licensor.

MBE UK & Ireland, which has 153 stores, will join Italy, Spain, Germany, France, Poland, Portugal, US, Canada, Australia and The Netherlands – making up the 1,667 MBE branded locations, of the group’s 2,800 global service centres in 53 countries worldwide.

MBE UK & Ireland will retain its current management team and its headquarters will remain in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire.

Simon Cowie, chairman of Mail Boxes Etc. (UK) Limited, believes this is an exciting development for the MBE UK & Ireland franchise system:

“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 and Ireland.”

Francis Laryea, managing director of Mail Boxes Etc. (UK) Limited said:

“This acquisition demonstrates the MBE Worldwide commitment to growing the Mail Boxes Etc. brand and network of post, parcel and print centres across core European markets, at a time of trade disruption caused by the impact of Brexit, as well as the global Covid-19 pandemic.”

The acquisition is an attractive proposition from MBE Worldwide’s point of view too:

“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. 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.”

Paolo Fiorelli, Chairman and CEO, MBE Worldwide

The change is good news for prospective franchisees, says MBE UK’s franchising manager, Heather Hannant:

“This is a great time to join the MBE network in the UK or Ireland – entrepreneurs will be reassured by the size, strength and expertise brought by MBE Worldwide.”

MBE Worldwide is a leading third-party provider of shipping, fulfilment, 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 UK & Ireland, founded in 1993 and based in Oxfordshire, is a well-established company with robust long-term plans operating in retail shipping, print and mailbox services, with 153 service centres providing strong added value to its customers – primarily businesses (small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises), as well as consumers.