MBE has kept growing throughout its history. The people at MBE Worldwide's ca. 2.800 current locations in 52 countries use our business concept to solve the needs of local businesses and consumers in the communities in which they live.
Founded in San Diego, California in 1980, Mail Boxes Etc. was introduced in Italy in 1993 by Graziano Fiorelli as Master licensee for the MBE brand. Since opening the pilot Center in 1993 the Italian MBE Network has grown to over 500 Centers. MBE Italy also subsequently acquired MBE Master Licenses rights for Spain, Germany and Austria.
In 2009, MBE Worldwide - a wholly owned subsidiary of the Italian Fiorelli family - acquired from MBE U.S. Inc., a subsidiary of UPS Inc., the Mail Boxes Etc. worldwide business (excluding the U.S. and Canada, which remain under MBE U.S. Inc.), including trademarks, business format and all existing Master Franchising contracts. With the acquisition, MBE Worldwide became the sole owner of the Mail Boxes Etc. brand and franchisor of the MBE franchise system.
1993-2000
MBE Italy expanded to 300 MBE Centers and presence in 80% of Italian provinces thereby becoming the largest and most successful international MBE Master Licensee.
2000-2005
Master Licensees for Spain, Germany and Austria added to the portfolio. Network expansion increased to over 600 MBE Centers in the four European countries.
2005-2010
MBE Worldwide's acquistion of the MBE franchise system compliments ongoing expansion of network to ca. 1,370 MBE Centers in over 30 countries. Aggregated network turnover exceeds € 330 Million.
2010-2015
MBE Italy celebrates 20 year anniversary. MBE product and services portfolio expands via e-commerce sales of shipping, graphic and print, printer accessories (cartridges/toner under the brand name “MBEPrint”), photographic and office products.
2016
Mail Boxes Etc. grows to more than 1,500 locations on four continents. Aggregated network revenues top € 400 million.
2017
An year of acquisitions for Mail Boxes Etc. around the world: two US companies, PostNet International Franchise and AlphaGraphics Inc. are now part of the group, MBE's network nowadays has over 2,500 Service Centers (of which about 500 in the US and 2,000 in others 40 countries).
2018
MBE Worldwide acquires majority ownership in selected MBE Service Centers.
2020
Funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. acquire up to 40% ownership in MBE Worldwide.
2021
MBE Worldwide acquires PACK & SEND, Multicopy and PrestaShop; MBE establishes a direct presence in the UK & Ireland.
2022
MBE Worldwide acquires GEL PROXIMITY, to grow in proximity logistics services. This acquisition represents a strategic step in MBE Worldwide's growth path.
2023
MBE Worldwide acquires WORLD OPTIONS to provide businesses with an industry-leading service for all shipment types based on availability, speed and price.