Fortidia acquires Kwik Kopy Australia, expands ANZ presence
Kwik Kopy Australia has entered into new international ownership following its acquisition by Fortidia, a global provider of business solutions spanning 57 countries.
Fortidia, previously known as MBE Worldwide, has expanded its presence in the Australian and New Zealand business services market through this move, adding Kwik Kopy Australia to its existing portfolio of brands. Fortidia's operations in the region already include PACK & SEND, Mail Boxes Etc., and World Options.
Under the arrangement, Kwik Kopy Australia will maintain its brand, existing franchise structure, and leadership team. The announcement also confirmed that the Penfold family, which founded the business in 1982, will retain a minority interest and continue to be actively involved with the company in several key roles, including board representation and ownership of franchise centres.
Franchising legacy
Kwik Kopy Australia has a network exceeding 85 centres across the country. It credits its founder, Stephen Penfold, with playing a significant role in the development of the franchising sector in Australia. Penfold was the second person inducted into the Franchise Council Australia Hall of Fame and was also a founding member of the Council. Over four decades after its launch, the Penfold family is still represented at multiple levels within the company.
Reflecting on the transition to Fortidia, Annalise Penfold, representing the Penfold family, said:
"We are proud of the legacy we have built with Kwik Kopy Australia and excited about the opportunities this new partnership will bring. Fortidia shares our passion for creating customers for life and together we can scale our capabilities in design and technology to world class solutions."
For Fortidia, the acquisition of Kwik Kopy Australia enhances its service offering in design, print, marketing and associated business services throughout the region. The company's global reach incorporates over 3,130 business solutions centres, and it reported closing the 2024 financial year with EUR €1.4 billion (USD $1.5 billion) in system-wide gross revenue, along with EUR €22 billion (USD $23 billion) in gross merchandise value through its digital commerce platforms.
Integration and leadership
Under the new structure, the chief executive of Kwik Kopy Australia will also lead PACK & SEND within the region. According to the announcement, the brand will remain Australian in its local operations and ownership, operating alongside Fortidia's broader capabilities.
Paolo Fiorelli, Chairman and CEO of Fortidia, said:
"We are delighted to welcome Kwik Kopy Australia to the Fortidia Group. Together, we will strengthen Kwik Kopy's market position, accelerate growth, deliver innovative solutions and create greater customer value."
Sonia Shwabsky, Managing Director of Kwik Kopy Australia and PACK & SEND ANZ, commented on the outlook under new ownership, stating:
"I am incredibly excited about the opportunities ahead. With Fortidia as the global enabler of our franchise system, entrepreneurs can tap into globally leading expertise. At the same time, every Kwik Kopy Australia and PACK & SEND business remains proudly Australian and locally owned. This combination gives us the best of both worlds - global strength and local ownership - empowering people to power business and make their mark on the world."
Market position
The acquisition is viewed as a step toward consolidating Fortidia's commitment to the region and providing a broad suite of business services for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and consumers. By maintaining the existing brand and management, both parties aim to leverage global support while preserving the identity and autonomy of local operations.
Kwik Kopy Australia has been operating for over 40 years, serving a diverse range of business clients with design, print, and signage solutions. Fortidia's expansion into the market with this acquisition provides the group with enhanced capabilities and a wider reach across the Asia-Pacific region.
