Pitney Bowes
Technology and business-services company known for postage meters, mailing systems, parcel logistics, presort services, and shipping software.
Last updated October 16, 2026
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Overview
Pitney Bowes is a United States technology and business-services company headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut. It was established in 1920 by Arthur Pitney and Walter Bowes after the combination of Pitney’s postage-meter work with Bowes’s stamp-canceling-machine business. The company’s early commercial success came from making postage measurement and payment more efficient for businesses, helping establish the postage meter as a practical alternative to manually applying stamps to large volumes of mail. Although postage meters remain central to its identity, Pitney Bowes has repeatedly repositioned itself as communications, data, software, and logistics markets changed. Its historical portfolio included mailing equipment, automatic sorters, inserters, copiers, fax machines, document-management products, customer-information software, location intelligence, legal-support services, and financial services. The copier and fax operation was separated into Imagistics International in 2001, while several other software and services activities were subsequently acquired, sold, or spun off. The company’s modern operating areas have centered on SendTech Solutions and Presort Services. SendTech provides commercial mailing and shipping technology, including postage meters, digital postage tools, shipping-label production, tracking, and related payments. Presort Services works with large mailers and processes high volumes of commercial mail before it enters postal networks. Pitney Bowes has also developed parcel-processing and cross-border e-commerce capabilities, using software, fulfillment, returns, and carrier connections to support retailers and their customers. Acquisitions were an important part of the company’s expansion beyond traditional mailing hardware. MapInfo, Group 1 Software, Portrait Software, Borderfree, Newgistics, Maponics, and other businesses added capabilities in location intelligence, customer communication, international commerce, parcel delivery, and data management. Some of these activities were later divested as the company concentrated its portfolio. In 2019, its software solutions business was sold to Syncsort, and its Document Messaging Technologies division was sold to Platinum Equity and rebranded BlueCrest. Pitney Bowes served approximately 750,000 customers globally according to 2021 reference material and has worked as a certified work-share partner of the United States Postal Service. Its systems and services have supported the sorting and processing of billions of mail pieces annually. The company also publishes the Pitney Bowes Parcel Shipping Index, which tracks parcel volumes and spending across selected international markets. By 2024, the company employed approximately 7,200 people. In 2024 it announced plans to exit its global e-commerce business through a sale, signaling a sharper focus on SendTech and Presort. In 2025, Kurt Wolf became president and chief executive officer, while Milena Alberti-Perez served as non-executive chair. Pitney Bowes remains a public company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol PBI, but its strategic emphasis is narrower than during its earlier diversification into broad software, document, and e-commerce services.
History
Arthur Pitney patented an early hand-operated postage-stamping machine in 1902 and later worked with patent attorney Eugene A. Rummler through the Pitney Postal Machine Company. Walter Bowes, an English emigrant, developed a separate business supplying stamp-canceling machines to the United States Post Office Department. Bowes moved his operations to Stamford in 1917. Their businesses combined on April 23, 1920, creating the Pitney Bowes Postage Meter Company and commercializing a system that allowed businesses to account for postage mechanically. The company expanded the role of mailing automation over the following decades. It introduced the Model M meter in 1920, a desktop mass-market meter in 1949, automatic mail sorters in 1957, and mail inserters in 1961. In 1968 it developed bar-code equipment for retail use. Branding also evolved: a logo introduced in 1930 represented the security of metered mail, while the 1971 design expressed the convergence of paper and electronic communications. A national advertising campaign in 1950 promoted metered mail as a way to simplify business mailing. Pitney Bowes diversified substantially during the second half of the twentieth century. It created financial services to support equipment leasing and purchasing, and it entered document technologies, including copiers and fax machines. Dictaphone was sold in 1995, and the copier and fax operation was spun off as Imagistics International in 2001. The company also expanded through acquisitions in presort, mailing software, customer communications, legal-support services, location intelligence, and print management. The acquisition program accelerated in the 2000s. Group 1 Software, MapInfo, Digital Cement, Portrait Software, and other companies extended the company’s capabilities in data, customer relationship management, output management, and geographic information. Pitney Bowes entered Brazil and India in 2005 and later invested in e-commerce through Borderfree and Newgistics. In parallel, it divested noncore activities, including management services, Imagitas, Document Messaging Technologies, and its software solutions business. The document division became BlueCrest after its 2018 sale, while the software transaction with Syncsort closed in 2019. During the 2010s, declining traditional mail volumes and the transition to digital communications created pressure on the historical postage-meter model. The company launched a major rebrand in 2015, introduced SendPro products, and promoted the “Craftsmen of Commerce” television campaign in 2016. It also shifted toward parcel logistics and e-commerce, opening service centers in Baltimore, Orlando, and Oakland during 2020 as online shopping and home delivery expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022 it announced a test of automated delivery trucks from Gatik for short-haul routes in the Dallas area. The company’s more recent strategy has emphasized simplification. In 2024 Pitney Bowes announced plans to exit global e-commerce through a sale and focus on SendTech and Presort. As of December 2024, it employed approximately 7,200 people, with most employees located in the United States. In 2025, Kurt Wolf became chief executive officer and Paul Evans became chief financial officer and treasurer. Pitney Bowes continues to operate as a public company under ticker PBI, combining postal technology, commercial shipping tools, mail processing, presort services, and selected financial offerings.
- 2024
E-commerce exit announced
[1]The company announced a planned exit from global e-commerce and a focus on SendTech and Presort.
- 2019
Software business sold
[1]Syncsort acquired Pitney Bowes’ software solutions business.
- 2017
Newgistics acquired
[1]The transaction strengthened domestic parcel and retail-logistics services.
- 2015
Corporate rebrand
[1]Pitney Bowes introduced a new logo and broader marketing identity.
- 2007
MapInfo acquired
[1]The acquisition expanded Pitney Bowes into location intelligence.
- 2001
Copier and fax business spun off
[1]The document-equipment operation became Imagistics International.
- 1957
Automatic mail sorting
[1]The company introduced automatic mail sorters.
- 1949
Desktop postage meter introduced
[1]Pitney Bowes released an early mass-market postage meter designed for desktop use.
- 1920
Company founded
[1]Arthur Pitney and Walter Bowes combined their businesses to form the Pitney Bowes Postage Meter Company.
Products and positioning
A business communications, mailing, shipping, and postal-logistics technology provider focused on helping organizations manage physical and digital commerce flows.
Mailing and shipping technology · 2016
SendPro
SendPro is a family of commercial mailing and shipping tools that combines postage purchasing, package shipping, label printing, tracking, and related workflow functions. The range includes connected hardware and online services designed for organizations that send both letters and parcels. SendPro products represent Pitney Bowes’ effort to integrate traditional postage-meter functions with multi-carrier shipping management.
Mail processing services
Presort Services
Presort Services prepares large volumes of commercial mail for entry into postal networks. By sorting, preparing, and presenting mail according to postal requirements, the service can help enterprise mailers improve operational efficiency and qualify for applicable postal-workshare benefits. The business is one of the company’s principal post-e-commerce focus areas.
Postage meter
SendPro Mailstation
SendPro Mailstation is a compact postage and mailing system intended for smaller offices and organizations. It modernizes the postage-meter concept by combining a connected device with digital postage management and related mailing functions.
Mailing system · 2016
SendPro 300
SendPro 300 is a commercial mailing and shipping system announced as part of Pitney Bowes’ effort to provide an integrated platform for postage, parcels, labels, and tracking.
Mailing system · 2017
SendPro C Series
The SendPro C Series extends the company’s connected mailing-system portfolio with touchscreen-based tools for postage, shipping, package handling, and workflow management.
Equipment financing · 2019
Wheeler Financial
Wheeler Financial is a Pitney Bowes subsidiary established to provide equipment financing to small and medium-sized businesses, extending the company’s long-standing financial-services role beyond postage-meter leasing.
Industry research
Pitney Bowes Parcel Shipping Index
The Parcel Shipping Index is an annual research publication tracking parcel volumes and spending across selected national markets. It provides comparative data for understanding the expansion of e-commerce delivery and changes in parcel demand.
Controversies
2018
Effective federal tax-rate controversy
Pitney Bowes was identified among Fortune 500 companies that reported an effective federal tax rate of zero percent or less in 2018, in the context of changes associated with the United States Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.
2003
Nexxpost trade-secret litigation
Pitney Bowes sued Nexxpost founders and former employees, alleging conduct including trade-secret misappropriation and violations of confidentiality agreements. The parties reached a settlement in August 2003.
Marketing campaigns
- 2016Craftsmen of Commerce
United States
Pitney Bowes launched its first television advertising campaign in nearly two decades, using three advertisements on national news and sports networks to reposition the company around commerce and business enablement.
- 2015Corporate rebranding campaign
Global
The company introduced a new logo, website, and marketing identity as it sought to present itself as a broader technology and commerce-services provider rather than only a postage-meter manufacturer.
- 1950Metered mail makes the mailer’s life easier
United States
A national advertising campaign presented postage metering as a practical way for businesses to simplify high-volume mailing.
Brand decisions
2024
Exit global e-commerceStrategyBackground
Pitney Bowes sought to narrow its portfolio after operating a broad e-commerce and parcel-services platform.
Action taken
The company announced plans to sell its global e-commerce business and focus on SendTech and Presort.
Aftermath
The announcement marked a renewed concentration on commercial mailing technology and mail-processing services.
2019
Sell software solutions businessM&ABackground
The company continued simplifying its portfolio after years of expansion into software and data services.
Action taken
Pitney Bowes sold its software solutions business to Syncsort for approximately $700 million; the transaction closed in December 2019.
Aftermath
The sale reduced the company’s software exposure and supported a stronger focus on mailing, shipping, and related services.
Transaction value. approximately $700 million (2019)
2018
Sell Document Messaging TechnologiesM&ABackground
Pitney Bowes continued to divest activities outside its preferred mailing, shipping, and information-services focus.
Action taken
The Document Messaging Technologies division was sold to Platinum Equity for approximately $361 million and rebranded BlueCrest.
Aftermath
The transaction removed a major document-technology division from Pitney Bowes’ portfolio.
Divestiture proceeds. approximately $361 million (2018)
2017
Acquire NewgisticsM&ABackground
The company wanted to accelerate its expansion in the United States domestic parcel market.
Action taken
Pitney Bowes acquired Newgistics for approximately $475 million.
Aftermath
The acquisition added retail logistics, parcel delivery, and returns capabilities.
Acquisition price. approximately $475 million (2017)
2015
Acquire BorderfreeStrategyBackground
Pitney Bowes sought to expand its cross-border commerce and international retail capabilities.
Action taken
The company acquired Borderfree for approximately $395 million.
Aftermath
Borderfree became part of the company’s e-commerce and international parcel strategy.
Acquisition price. approximately $395 million (2015)
2001
Separate copier and fax operationsStrategyBackground
The company was reducing the role of document hardware within its broader portfolio.
Action taken
Pitney Bowes spun off its copier and fax business as Imagistics International.
Aftermath
The separation allowed the company to concentrate more heavily on mailing, information, and business services.
Recent events
- Unconfirmed
Pitney Bowes launches ParcelPoint Smart Lockers in Canada[3]
Pitney Bowes announced the launch of its ParcelPoint Smart Lockers in the Canadian market.
- Unconfirmed
Pitney Bowes appoints Tom Doherty as vice president[4]
Pitney Bowes announced that Tom Doherty was appointed Vice President, Lending Services and Products.
- Unconfirmed
Pitney Bowes announces peak-season parcel pricing adjustments[5]
Pitney Bowes announced temporary pricing adjustments for domestic and cross-border delivery and returns services for the peak holiday shipping season, scheduled to take effect October 3. The source does not specify the announcement's calendar date.
Pitney Bowes announces Ana Maria Chadwick as CFO[6]
Pitney Bowes announced Ana Maria Chadwick's appointment as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective January 29, 2021.
Pitney Bowes announces delivery-service pricing adjustment[7]
Pitney Bowes announced on January 4 that pricing adjustments on its Standard and Cross Border Delivery services would be reinstated effective January 25, 2021, and remain in effect until further notice.
UserTesting announces 2020 illumi Award winners[8]
Reported:
UserTesting announced the winners of its second annual illumi Awards at its Human Insight World customer conference. The listed category winners included Microsoft, NBC Universal and other organizations.
- Unconfirmed
Pitney Bowes elects Sheila A. Stamps to its board[9]
Pitney Bowes announced the election of Sheila A. Stamps to its board of directors, effective September 1, 2020.
- Unconfirmed
Pitney Bowes announces 2020 ecommerce-services rate increase[10]
Pitney Bowes announced a 4.9% general rate increase for its ecommerce delivery and returns services for 2020.
- Unconfirmed
Ransomware attack disrupts Pitney Bowes services[11]
Reported:
Pitney Bowes said a malware attack encrypted information on some systems, disrupting postage refills and some online services. The company said it was working to restore affected systems and that it had seen no evidence that customer or employee data had been improperly accessed.
Sources13 sources
- 1Pitney Bowesen.wikipedia.org
- 2Pitney Bowes official websitepitneybowes.com
- 3Pitney Bowes在加拿大推出ParcelPoint智能储物柜whattheythink.com
- 4Pitney Bowes任命Tom Doherty为副总裁whattheythink.com
- 5Pitney Bowes宣布旺季包裹价格调整whattheythink.com
- 6Pitney Bowes宣布任命Ana Maria Chadwick为首席财务官printingnews.com
- 7Pitney Bowes宣布调整配送服务价格printingnews.com
- 8UserTesting 公布 2020 年 illumi Awards 获奖者finanznachrichten.de
- 9Pitney Bowes选举Sheila A. Stamps加入董事会whattheythink.com
- 10Pitney Bowes 宣布 2020 年电商服务费率上调whattheythink.com
- 11勒索软件攻击导致Pitney Bowes服务中断pcmag.com
- 12Global Shipping Firm Pitney Bowes Affected by Ransomware Attackbleepingcomputer.com
- 13Pitney Bowes Announces Pricing Adjustment as Ecommerce Demand Continues to Surge Ahead of 2020 Peakprintingnews.com
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