For Immediate Release:

October 05, 2005 10:00 AM US Eastern Timezone

The UPS Store Global Expansion Begins with India and Canada

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 5, 2005--UPS subsidiary Mail Boxes Etc., Inc. is expanding The UPS Store(R) brand internationally. Today, the company announced the debut of The UPS Store concept in India and the conversion of 265 Mail Boxes Etc. locations in Canada to The UPS Store brand.

Canada is the first country outside the United States to adopt The UPS Store name, with 95 percent of existing Mail Boxes Etc. franchisees choosing to re-brand. The conversion brings the power of one of the world's most recognized and respected brands to Canadian storefronts, showcasing The UPS Store as a one-stop shop for reliable, efficient business and shipping services.

And today, Jetair Business Solutions Pvt. Ltd. was named the exclusive master licensee to develop The UPS Store business within India. This agreement marks the introduction of The UPS Store brand outside North America as well as the first time a new market has been developed exclusively as The UPS Store.

The UPS Store will be India's first full-service network of retail outlets that combines packaging, shipping and other business products with Jetair airways ticketing services. The retail network primarily will serve small- and medium-size businesses, mobile workers, small-office, home-office workers and general consumers.

"These developments signify the power of The UPS Store brand and the potential that exists worldwide," said Stuart Mathis, president, Mail Boxes Etc., Inc. "In particular, the growth of India's economy has provided enormous opportunities for entrepreneurs interested in franchising.

"Similarly, Mail Boxes Etc. and UPS have established a strong presence in Canada, making this an opportune time to re-brand the Canadian network and offer continued growth opportunities for our franchisees there."

Mail Boxes Etc. and its master licensees continue to support the international network of business centers. Currently, there are no plans to re-brand any of the more than 900 Mail Boxes Etc. locations outside Canada and the United States.

"The franchising format continues to have increasing global appeal, especially in emerging markets such as India," said Matthew Shay, president, International Franchise Association. "Developments such as these illustrate how franchise systems provide entrepreneurial opportunities for people around the world."

Mail Boxes Etc., Inc. (MBE), a UPS company, franchises The UPS Store and Mail Boxes Etc. retail locations. The UPS Store and Mail Boxes Etc. locations together comprise the world's largest franchise network of retail shipping, postal and business service centers with more than 5,500 locations in more than 40 countries. In the United States, The UPS Store and Mail Boxes Etc. locations are independently owned and operated by licensed franchisees of Mail Boxes Etc., Inc. Outside the United States, locations are owned and operated by MBE master licensees or their franchisees. For additional information, please visit www.theupsstore.com or www.mbe.com.

Contacts


The UPS Store
Brandyn Jennings, 858-642-7968
bjennings@mbe.com

Source: Business Wire