1/30/2006
ALLIED VAN LINES RELEASES 38th ANNUAL MAGNET STATES REPORT
TEXAS TOPS THE CHARTS AS MOST “MAGNETIC” STATE
North Carolina a Close Second, Arizona Third in Annual Migration Patterns Study
CHICAGO, January 30, 2006 — The “Lone Star” state stands alone atop the 38th Annual Allied Van Lines Magnet States Report. According to the report, which tracks U.S. migration patterns, Texas was America’s most “magnetic” state in terms of attracting new residents, narrowly edging out North Carolina for the distinction.
“Texas is a diverse state with a significant amount of opportunities to offer,” said Mike McMahon, president, Moving Services North America, SIRVA Inc., (NYSE: SIR), a global relocation services provider and Allied’s parent company. “Four major cities, a solid economy and a temperate climate, make Texas a very attractive place to live.”
According to the Allied report, Texas experienced the largest net relocation gain (inbound moves performed by Allied Van Lines minus outbound moves) in the country followed in order by North Carolina and Arizona.
Texas’ ascension to Magnet State status should be a surprise to few. According to the Texas State Data Center at Texas A&M, the population of the state is expected to reach 35 million by 2040, an approximate gain of close to 70 percent.
“We’re growing and poised for even more growth,” said Bill Hammond, president, The Texas Association of Business. “By building a better business climate through legislative and regulatory reform, Texas has put out its welcome mat for those who want to live, work or do business in the state.”
Texas experienced 8,629 inbound shipments compared to 6,638 outbound shipments for a net relocation gain of 1,991 – good for No. 1 Magnet State status. Its 15,267 shipments also made it the third most mobile state behind California and Florida. Runner up North Carolina had a net relocation gain of 1,917 out of 7,491 total shipments, while Arizona had 1,331 out of 8,585 shipments, and Georgia had 1,099 out of 6,925, rounding out the top four states.
In terms of percentages of inbound moves, Montana rated No. 1. Approximately 70 percent of the state’s 761 moves were inbound.
Outbound States
Despite its appeal as “The Golden State,” California earned the dubious distinction of being America’s No. 1 outbound state in 2005. According to the Allied Van Lines report, the state posted 11,387 outbound shipments compared with 8,564 inbound for a net relocation loss of 2,823 shipments. Other outbound states included: New Jersey, with a relocation loss of 1,591 shipments out of a total of 5,203; Michigan, 1,480 out of 5,128 and New York, 1,079 out of 7,655 total shipments. In terms of percentages of outbound moves, New Jersey rated No. 1 with 65.3 percent of its 5,203 total moves being outbound. Michigan was a close second with 64.4 percent of its moves being outbound.
Mobile States
For the third year in a row, the top three mobile states (inbound and outbound moves combined) were California with 19,951 total shipments, Florida with 18,685 and Texas with 15,267.
About Allied Van Lines
Established in 1928, Allied Van Lines, with more than 500 agent locations in North America, is an experienced leader in household goods moving and specialized transportation services. Allied is one of the established global brands of SIRVA, Inc., (NYSE: SIR), a leader in providing relocation services to corporations, consumers and governments around the world. For more information about Allied Van Lines, visit www.allied.com.
About SIRVA, Inc.
SIRVA, Inc. is a leader in providing relocation solutions to a well-established and diverse customer base around the world. The company is the leading global provider that can handle all aspects of relocations end-to-end within its own network, including home purchase and home sale services, household goods moving, mortgage services and insurance. SIRVA conducts more than 365,000 relocations per year, transferring corporate and government employees and moving individual consumers. The company operates in more than 40 countries with approximately 6,000 employees and an extensive network of agents and other service providers. SIRVA’s well-recognized brands include Allied, northAmerican, Global, and SIRVA Relocation in North America; Pickfords, Huet International, Kungsholms, ADAM, Majortrans, Allied Arthur Pierre, Rettenmayer, and Allied Varekamp in Europe; and Allied Pickfords in the Asia Pacific region. More information about SIRVA can be found on the company’s Web site at www.sirva.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are not historical, but are made based on management’s current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects upon SIRVA, Inc. and its subsidiaries. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting us will be those anticipated by management. These forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, including without limitation those described under the caption “Business Risks” and other risks described in our 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K and other reports we submit to the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. We do not intend, and are under no obligation, to update any particular forward-looking statement included in this release.
Media Contacts
Kristin McCormick
JSH&A Public Relations
630.932.9346
Kristin Zanini
JSH&A Public Relations
630.932.9316
