Entrepreneur's Franchise 500(R) Recognizes Burgeoning Franchise System as Clear Segment Leader

CARROLLTON, Texas, - It's one thing for a company to call itself a leader in its segment. But when an outside party compares dozens of brands' financial performance, growth and other factors and names a company No. 1 in its category, that's instant and unarguable credibility.

Culminating a robust year of global growth and development, Entrepreneur magazine's Franchise 500 ranked FASTSIGNS International, Inc. No. 1 in the sign and graphic category. The thriving franchise moved up more than 25 spots from last year, ranking No. 79 overall, and earning the top spot in its category for the third straight year.

"We are proud of receiving this recognition for the third year in a row," said Catherine Monson, CEO of FASTSIGNS. "It is, however, really just 'icing on the cake' for 2012. This has been a record breaking year for FASTSIGNS in every measure: from the number of new franchisees joining our family; to average unit volume, franchisee profitability, and network sales; to even higher franchise partner satisfaction ratings. We have entered new markets in previously untapped countries, we have added a Co-Brand opportunity to offer new opportunities for businesses in related industries to join the FASTSIGNS network, and our brand is stronger than ever. Having been featured as being the leading sign and visual communication provider on Undercover Boss was another highlight of the year."

Entrepreneur uses an exclusive formula to determine the rankings for all 500 companies that analyzes financial strength and stability, growth rate, and system size.

In 2012, FASTSIGNS signed 37 new franchise agreements in addition to opening 27 centers across the world, including several in Canada and Puerto Rico. Aiding the company's growth is a new co-branding franchise opportunity that allows independent print shop owners to add a FASTSIGNS center within their existing business.

"We're delighted to share the positive strides the companies in this year's listing are making and showcase them as representations of business strength," said Amy Cosper, VP and editor in chief of Entrepreneur. "The Franchise 500 are a major force contributing to the franchise upswing. Their ability to successfully satisfy customers, continually add units, create jobs and grow overall keeps them ahead of the rest and worthy of distinction."

With more than 530 FASTSIGNS sign and graphics centers around the world, FASTSIGNS provides marketing and visual communications solutions to businesses, organizations and events of all types and sizes. FASTSIGNS offers a variety of sign and graphics solutions – including banners, building signs, digital signage, yard signs, vehicle graphics, decals, trade show exhibits and displays, point-of-purchase signs, and posters – as well as mobile websites, promotional products, interior décor, branding, printing and other marketing services.

For more information about FASTSIGNS, contact Mark Jameson ([email protected] or 214-346-5679) or visit www.fastsigns.com.

To view FASTSIGNS in the full ranking, visit www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500. Results can also be seen in the January issue of Entrepreneur on newsstands on January 18.