MBE Worldwide Acquires AlphaGraphics Inc.
to Expand U.S. Presence and Business Service Offerings
Salt Lake City, Utah, (October 3, 2017) AlphaGraphics, Inc. (“AlphaGraphics”), a leading design, printing, marketing and communications franchisor, has been purchased by MBE Worldwide (“MBE”), a global third‐party logistics, printing and communications services network with approximately 2,600 locations in 39 countries (including nearly 500 in the U.S.) following the acquisition.
Both companies currently operate in the business services industry through a network of locations owned and operated by individual franchisees. AlphaGraphics concentrates on offering premium graphic design, printing, marketing and communication services. MBE specializes in third‐party logistics, concentrating on shipping, micro‐ and related retail‐logistics services. Both companies serve primarily businesses (small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises) as well as consumers. The acquisition of AlphaGraphics by MBE, which acquired the U.S.‐based PostNet franchise system in April 2017, gives Mail Boxes Etc. an even stronger presence in the U.S. market and an expanded global service offering.
AlphaGraphics will continue to operate as an independent company and will retain its current management team. AlphaGraphics’ headquarters will remain in Salt Lake City, and the companies will retain their individual names, business concepts and brands.
“This is an exciting development for the AlphaGraphics franchise system,” said Gay Burke, AlphaGraphics Executive Chair. “Combining forces with MBE Worldwide creates unique opportunities to synergize with colleagues similarly steeped in managing a franchise‐based network of entrepreneurs.”
“AlphaGraphics is an excellent strategic fit for MBE because of its entrepreneur‐driven, people‐centric, customer‐first business model, which complements our MBE business and culture. Also, AlphaGraphics has earned a reputation for technological and service excellence in the highly competitive print, marketing and communications industry in the U.S.” said Paolo Fiorelli, Chairman and CEO of MBE. “We are excited to welcome AlphaGraphics to the MBE family and will work together to provide high‐value solutions to our business and consumer customers across the globe.”
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About MBE Worldwide
MBE Worldwide, a family‐owned Italian holding company based in Milan, which originally started as a Master Franchisee of MBE Inc. in 1993, and subsequently acquired the worldwide Mail Boxes Etc. business (except for the United States of America and Canada, which remain under MBE Inc.) in May 2009 from UPS Inc. and its wholly‐owned subsidiary, U.S.‐based MBE Inc. Mail Boxes Etc. is one of the world’s largest networks of conveniently located business service centers offering logistics, printing, communication and support services to business and private customers. MBE’s Service Centers are owned and managed by franchised entrepreneurs and supported by experienced service teams. With the acquisition of both AlphaGraphics and PostNet in 2017, MBE expanded the MBE network to ca. 2,600 locations in 39 countries, and projects combined System‐wide Sales of approximately $940 Million for 2017. For more information about MBE Worldwide, please visit www.mbeglobal.com.
About AlphaGraphics
AlphaGraphics, Inc. is a franchisor of locally owned and operated Business Centers offering a complete range of print, visual communications, and marketing products and solutions including: full‐service digital, offset, and large format printing; design services; mailing; one‐to‐one marketing solutions; promotional products; web to print solutions. The franchise office of AlphaGraphics in Salt Lake City provides support for their Business Centers. For more information about AlphaGraphics services and/or franchise opportunities, go to www.alphagraphics.com.
