Expanding its presence in North America, Europe-based logistics firm MBE Worldwide has purchased AlphaGraphics (asi/373000), the companies have announced. Financial terms of the deal, which was made public on October 3, were not released. Per the agreement, AlphaGraphics will continue to operate as an independent company and both firms will retain their individual names and brands.

“This is an exciting development for the AlphaGraphics franchise system,” said Gay Burke, executive chairman of AlphaGraphics. “Combining forces with MBE Worldwide creates unique opportunities to synergize with colleagues similarly steeped in managing a franchise‐based network of entrepreneurs.”

According to a press statement, AlphaGraphics will maintain its current management team and its Salt Lake City headquarters. Leaders at both AlphaGraphics and MBE Worldwide believe the companies complement each other well, as the former is a graphic design and printing firm and the latter specializes in logistics and shipping. Both companies primarily serve small and medium-sized businesses as well as the consumer market. The deal with AlphaGraphics is the second considerable acquisition of 2017 for MBE, which also purchased U.S.‐based PostNet in April.

“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,” said Paolo Fiorelli, chairman and CEO of MBE. “Also, AlphaGraphics has earned a reputation for technological and service excellence in the highly competitive print, marketing and communications industry in the U.S.”

With the completion of the AlphaGraphics and PostNet acquisitions, MBE now has 2,600 physical locations in 39 countries around the globe – 500 of those locations are in the U.S. MBE’s total sales throughout its entities is expected to be about $940 million in 2017, the company said.