SAN DIEGO, CA--(Marketwire - January 18, 2011) - San Diego-based Annex Brands, Inc., today announced the acquisition of the 49-unit, Navis Pack & Ship franchise system. With the addition, Annex Brands now counts more than 380 shipping franchises located across 38 states in the U.S. as well as a new presence in Canada. The company's existing brands include PostalAnnex+, Handle With Care Packaging Store and Sunshine Pack & Ship.
"We are excited, once again, to acquire a quality shipping brand," commented Jack Lentz, CEO and founder of Annex Brands. This is the third acquisition for Annex Brands in the past four years. In 2006, Annex Brands acquired the Florida-based Sunshine Pack & Ship system and in 2007 added the 68-unit Handle With Care Packaging Store brand. Lentz commented that the company's growth strategy continues to be a two-pronged approach: sales of new franchises as well as acquisitions.
Annex Brands' president and CFO Patrick Edd commented, "Adding the Navis system strengthens the company's presence in the freight segment of the shipping industry. At the same time, it also increases the opportunities for our existing network of retail stores." Edd said the acquisition fits the company's vision to "build a franchise network that offers more service to more people in more places."
Steve Goble, Annex Brands' vice president of marketing communications added, "The Navis brand is a well-known provider for the crating, packaging and delivery of items labeled FLAV: fragile, large, awkward or high in value. These shipping experts create customized solutions for a wide range of shipping needs. Rarely are two shipments alike." Goble said many Navis locations are also in markets served by the company's retail franchised locations, providing cross-referral opportunities among brands.
Navis Pack & Ship was founded in Denver, Colorado in June of 2000. Ben Blakeley, president and CEO of Navis Logistics Network, Inc. said, "Annex Brands is a high-quality, growing franchisor. We are excited to have our franchisees join this organization and wish them all great success."
Edd commented, "We are excited to help the Navis franchisees grow their businesses. We know that the new complement of brands will create more opportunities, provide new resources and result in more value to our franchisees."
Both firms are privately owned. No purchase price was disclosed.
About Annex Brands
Annex Brands, Inc., was formerly known as Postal Annex, Inc., founded by Lentz in 1985 and headquartered in San Diego. After the Handle With Care Packaging Store acquisition, the company changed its name to Annex Brands, Inc. to more closely reflect its multi-branded service in the packing, crating and shipping industry. Each location is an individually owned and operated franchise. Its retail stores offer a one-stop support center for packaging, shipping, postal and office supply needs, including comparing shipping rates with UPS, FedEx, DHL and USPS shipping. The commercial locations provide custom packaging and shipping solutions for larger and more valuable items. For more information on the company's history, services and franchise information, visit www.AnnexBrands.com