IAMCO awaits response to IFA complaint

For Immediate Release

Contacts:
John Boyd, President, Phone: (301) 863-5664
Michael Einbinder, Esq., Counsel, Phone: (212) 888-7717

IAMCO awaits response to IFA complaint

New York, NY (May 1, 2000) - The Independent Association of Mailbox Center Owners, Inc. (IAMCO) is currently awaiting the findings of a complaint recently filed with the International Franchise Association (IFA) in connection with Mail Boxes Etc. (MBE) refusal to do open dialogue.

In previous correspondence from MBE representatives concerning the Associations desire to discuss and resolve issues of encroachment, new technology requirements, and advertising fund expenditures, IAMCOs attorney was instructed to discuss their concerns with the corporate funded Franchise Advisory Council (FAC).

On April 18th, Michael Einbinder, attorney for IAMCO, filed an official complaint with the IFA regarding potential violation of the IFA Code of Principles and Standards of Conduct. On April 26, Mr. Einbinders office received a faxed response from Mr. Shaw, Vice President and Chief Council concerning the matter.

In the letter sent to Mr. James H. Amos, President and CEO of Mail Boxes Etc., Mr. Shaw stated that "IAMCOs counsel further alleges that as a result of its refusal to engage IAMCOs members in dialogue, MBE has violated Section V(3) of the IFA Code of Principles and Standards of Conduct. Section V(3) of the IFA Code, titled 'Franchisor-Franchisee Cooperation, among other things encourages cooperation between a franchisor and its franchisees in order to promote a healthy, competitive and financially sound franchised network."

Currently the IFA Committee on Standards is reviewing IAMCOs allegations, and will keep IAMCOs attorney informed of developments as they occur.

According to John Boyd, President of IAMCO, "the association was formed to provide a forum where owners of MBE franchised centers can express their mutual concerns and ideas. We intend to provide a clear voice that will speak to MBE on a wide variety of issues on behalf of the 10% of the MBE network who are members. IAMCO will fill a communications void that currently exists. We intend to engage in meaningful dialogue that will benefit the entire system."

The Independent Association of Mailbox Center Owners (IAMCO) maintains a membership composed of MBE owners only in the United States and its territories. IAMCO is a not-for-profit association that maintains a web site at http://www.IAMCO.org. Michael Einbinder is an accomplished franchise attorney with Rosen, Einbinder & Dunn, P.C. which maintains a web site at http://www.redlawfirm.com. Mail Boxes Etc. and MBE are trademarks of Mail Boxes Etc. USA Inc. Mail Boxes Etc. (MBE), the worlds largest retail business, communication and postal services franchisor is a wholly owned subsidiary of U.S. Office Products Company (NASDAQ: OFIS), has more than 4,000 locations operating worldwide, and master license agreements in 67 countries around the world. In the United States, MBE centers are owned and operated by licensed franchisees of Mail Boxes Etc. USA Inc. MBE maintains a web site at http://www.mbe.com. All other brands and names are property of their respective owners.