Pitney Bowes Inc. has announced that it has sold a controlling interest in the entities representing a substantial majority of the Global E-commerce segment operating in the U.S. to Hilco Commercial Industrial.
This sale of the controlling interest occurred on August 8, 2024. Hilco is a recognized leader in helping companies maximize the value of their assets and has worked with numerous organizations to wind-down operations in an efficient, responsible manner.
Pitney Bowes’ Board of Directors (the “Board”) conducted a comprehensive strategic review, with the assistance of independent legal and financial advisors, prior to ultimately determining that this exit path for GEC is in the best interests of both the Company’s shareholders and other stakeholders. Notably, the GEC segment had been struggling to achieve profitability over the past several years in the face of macroeconomic and industry headwinds. The Company expects this exit path to eliminate substantially all of the losses associated with GEC, which were equal to approximately $136 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. Pitney Bowes is committed to ensuring that this process is as seamless as possible for GEC employees, customers, partners and vendors.
Lance Rosenzweig, Interim Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board, commented:
“When the Company announced our four strategic priorities in late May, we committed to working with speed and urgency to complete a comprehensive review of alternatives for GEC. We are pleased to have delivered on that commitment by concluding a productive review and identifying an exit path for GEC that provides for an orderly and efficient wind-down of the business, which will ultimately maximize value for Pitney Bowes shareholders. This path also gives us a clear runway to streamline the Company and increase profitability across our core, cash-generating businesses: SendTech, Presort and Financial Services. In conjunction with our cost reduction efforts and progress on cash optimization, exiting GEC will also allow Pitney Bowes to make substantial progress in deleveraging our balance sheet. With these steps, we will be well-positioned to deliver stronger results in 2025 and pursue enhanced value for shareholders in the years to come.”
