(CARROLLTON, Texas) - FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of FASTSIGNS, the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise, announced today that it has signed 12 franchise agreements with new franchisees who will open new centers across the country. They also celebrated the milestone of opening the first ever Co-Brand centre in the United Kingdom.

FASTSIGNS International, Inc. currently has franchised locations in over 600 locations in nine countries worldwide with plans to open 45 to 50 additional locations by year end. Markets with planned FASTSIGNS center openings include Chicagoland, the Pacific Northwest, Tampa Bay, Central Texas and the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

"Over the last six months, we have experienced tremendous growth including introducing 12 new franchisees into our growing system across the U.S and Canada-all of whom will provide a 'More Than' experience for customers," said Mark Jameson, EVP of Franchise Support and Development, FASTSIGNS International, Inc. "The opening of FASTSIGNS Oxford North, our first UK Co-Brand centre, helps us lay the foundation to take the successful North American Co-Brand concept to international markets."

Launched in 2012, the FASTSIGNS Co-Brand program offers independent business operators with print-related services the opportunity to add the FASTSIGNS brand of sign and visual graphic solutions, while continuing to own and operate their existing business. Co-Brand franchisees consistently report that adding a FASTSIGNS franchise to their business has added value for customers, promoting long-term growth opportunities for their businesses.

"FASTSIGNS' strength lies in its ability to be at the cutting edge of the sign, graphics and visual communications industry," said John Davies, Managing Director, FASTSIGNS UK. "For any existing business looking to expand into this fast-paced market, FASTSIGNS gives the added support and training needed to make the process smooth. Whether an existing print-based business or a photography studio our Co-Brand and Conversion centres receive the same assistance as any new franchisee, with the added bonus of being able to exclude established revenue streams, outside of the FASTSIGNS core business offering, from future royalty payments."

Getting started as a Co-Brand FASTSIGNS is quick; FASTSIGNS can help finance the franchise fee with as little as $15,000 down to begin the Co-Brand process. The Co-Brand program accounted for 20 percent of the franchise agreements signed in 2015, a significant increase from prior years. FASTSIGNS International, Inc. also offers a Conversion program whereby an existing independent sign or related business can become a FASTSIGNS franchisee.

In May, the company launched a new franchise development website, making it easier for potential franchise candidates to learn about the FASTSIGNS brand and opportunity.

For information about the FASTSIGNS franchise opportunity, contact Mark Jameson ([email protected] or 214-346-5679) or download an eBook that explores the FASTSIGNS franchise opportunity at http://amzn.to/1FrnDJu. For information about the FASTSIGNS franchise opportunity in the UK, contact John Davies ([email protected]).