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For Immediate Release
Contact: MAIL BOXES ETC.
Mail Boxes Etc. Global Headquarters
(858) 455-8982
PR@mbe.com
SAN DIEGO (February 23, 1999) - Mail Boxes Etc. (MBE), the world’s largest franchisor of retail business, communication and postal service centers, recently announced plans to expand into the Austrian market through a master license agreement with Vienna-based Danube Business Services, GmbH.
"Danube’s planned development in Austria is expected to represent a significant expansion of the MBE network internationally," said James Amos, MBE president and chief executive officer. "A unique feature of the MBE concept is its adaptability to the needs and market conditions of countries around the world."
Danube Business Services acquired the master license rights for Austria due to the rapid growth in the number of small businesses and consumers that require high-quality retail business support services. Preliminary plans by the master licensee call for the opening of an MBE pilot center in Vienna in May 1999.
"There is a strong and increasing demand from consumers and businesses in Austria for the services provided by MBE," said Hendrik Homan, managing director of the MBE master licensee. "The MBE system is being utilized in many parts of the world. We’re confident in the business adaptability to the Austrian market."
The Danube Business Services business plan envisions approximately 60 MBE centers throughout
Austria during the next six years.
Mail Boxes Etc., a wholly owned subsidiary of U.S. Office Products Company (NASDAQ: OFIS), is the
world's largest franchisor of retail business communication and postal service centers. There are
more than 3,700 MBE centers operating worldwide, with master licensing agreements in place for the
development of the MBE business in 60 countries around the world. In the United States, MBE centers
are owned and operated by licensed franchisees of Mail Boxes Etc., USA, Inc. Outside the United States,
MBE centers are owned and operated by MBE master licensees or their franchisees. MBE maintains a Web
site at http://www.mbe.com.
U.S. Office Products Company (USOP) is one of North America's leading providers of office supplies, office furniture, and office breakroom products featuring Starbucks Coffee. USOP also owns and operates Mail Boxes Etc. and Blue Star Group Limited, a leading supplier of office products and business services in New Zealand and Australia. USOP’s web site can be found at www.usop.com.
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