FASTSIGNS Outshines Competition with No. 1 Ranking Two Years Straight

(Franchise Buy) - By . Updated Jan 12, 2012

Media Contact: Stacy Rubenstein, Fishman Public Relations, (847) 945-1300,
srubenstein@fishmanpr.com
For Immediate Release

FASTSIGNS Outshines Competition with No. 1 Ranking Two Years Straight
Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® Ranks Company the Frontrunner in Sign and Graphic Category

CARROLTON, Texas— Entrepreneur Magazine has ranked FASTSIGNS as the No. 1 franchise in the
sign and graphic category. This is the second year in a row that FASTSIGNS has earned the top spot in
its category in the magazine’s annual Franchise 500® rankings.

FASTSIGNS International Inc., the worldwide franchisor of FASTSIGNS® sign and graphics centers,
ranked 107 overall, far surpassing all other players in its category. To determine the rankings for all 500
companies, the magazine uses an exclusive formula that takes into account objective and quantifiable
factors, including financial strength and stability, growth rate and size of the system.

“The ranking is a true testament to the tremendous work and success of both our franchisees and our
corporate team,” said Catherine Monson, CEO of FASTSIGNS. “Every day, our franchisees help
businesses and organizations visually communicate their products, services and philosophies to their
clients and employees through a countless array of graphics, visuals and messaging in multiple formats.
Being ranked No. 1 in our category is a significant honor.”

As the worldwide franchisor and leader in the visual communications industry, FASTSIGNS sign and
graphic centers provide marketing and visual communications solutions to any businesses, large and
small, across industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, education and construction. The
FASTSIGNS product line includes signs and graphics – including banners, flags, building signs, digital
and electric signs, yard signs, vehicle graphics, labels, trade show exhibits and displays, point-ofpurchase
signs, and posters – as well as mobile websites, promotional products, printing and other
marketing services.

With more than 530 FASTSIGNS sign and graphic centers located in the United States, Canada, the
United Kingdom, Brazil, Mexico, the Caribbean and Australia, the company opened 20 new locations in
2011 and is expected to finish the year with 27 new franchise agreements signed. Plans for 2012 include
26 new center openings, and FASTSIGNS will finish 2011 with signed deals in untapped markets such
as Eatontown and Newark, NJ, Syracuse, NY, Bradenton, FL, Lewistown, ID and Ogden, UT among
others. The company will also open its first location in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in Spring 2012.

Adding to the system wide growth is a conversion strategy, in which existing independent sign shop
operators partner with FASTSIGNS to reach their full potential and long-term goals through franchising
with the brand. In fact, FASTSIGNS has successfully converted several independent sign shops
throughout the country to the franchise, including recently signed deals in Kankakee, Ill., Salem, NH, and
Springfield, OH, along with its first Caribbean conversion franchise in George Town, Grand Cayman.
For franchise information, contact Mark Jameson at mark.jameson@fastsigns.com or by phone at 214-
346-5679

ABOUT FASTSIGNS®
FASTSIGNS International, Inc. is the worldwide franchisor for the more than 530 FASTSIGNS® sign and
graphic centers located in the US, Canada, the UK, Brazil, Mexico, the Caribbean and Australia (where
centers operate as SIGNWAVE®). FASTSIGNS sign and graphics centers leverage sign and marketing
knowledge, state-of-the-art technology and innovative thinking to solve customers’ marketing and
communications challenges—from the simple… to the simply impossible™. Centers provide consulting,
file transfer, design, production, delivery and installation for a full range of custom sign and graphic
solutions. FASTSIGNS is owned by Roark Capital Group, an Atlanta-based private equity firm. Roark's
current franchise portfolio includes companies such as: Carvel Ice Cream, Cinnabon, Schlotzsky's, Moe's
Southwest Grill, Seattle's Best Coffee International, McAlister's Deli, Batteries Plus, Arby’s, Primrose
Schools, Wingstop, Pet Valu and Auntie Anne’s. For franchise information, visit www.fastsigns.com.
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