Sign, Graphics and Visual Communications Franchisor Leads Industry on Entrepreneur's Franchise 500® with Record Growth in 2017

Carrollton, Tex. – FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of FASTSIGNS®, the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise, announced today it was named the #1 franchise opportunity in its category on Entrepreneur magazine's Franchise 500® following record growth in 2017. Overall, the brand jumped to #70 on the ranking, up from #95 in 2017, and is the only concept in its category to break the top 100.

Last year, FASTSIGNS opened 43 locations in the U.S. and Canada, as well as three in the U.K. The brand signed an additional 53 franchise agreements in North America, including an Area Representative agreement for New York City, as well as one agreement in the U.K. and a Master Franchise Agreement to develop 16 centers throughout Malta, Italy, and Greece. FASTSIGNS also celebrated the opening of its 600th domestic location in December in the Sacramento, California, area.

"2017 was a record-breaking year for the brand," said Catherine Monson, president and CEO, FASTSIGNS International, Inc. "For the sixth consecutive year, FASTSIGNS has increased sales and grown our footprint worldwide, with our strong franchise network generating $479 million in sales and continuing to lead the industry through our advanced products, services, and custom graphics and visual communications solutions. And once again being named the top franchise opportunity in our category by Entrepreneur is a testament to the strength of the brand and our franchisees. We're looking forward to continuing this momentum in 2018 as we focus our franchise development efforts in key markets domestically, as well as entering new countries."

In 2018, FASTSIGNS plans to open an additional 45 centers across the U.S. and is targeting aggressive franchise development in markets such as Greater New York City, Boston, and the Northeast Corridor, and throughout the West Coast including in Southern California and Arizona. Across North America, FASTSIGNS has over 400 markets ready for development. Internationally, FASTSIGNS is continuing to seek qualified candidates to grow its international footprint in target markets throughout the world, including Brazil, Quebec, North Africa, Southeast Asia, India, Europe, and Latin America.

FASTSIGNS also has been recognized for its franchisee satisfaction by being named a World Class Franchise by the Franchise Research Institute for five consecutive years and has been ranked by Franchise Business Review as one of the "Best of the Best" for franchisee satisfaction for the last 10 years. Additionally, FASTSIGNS also was named to Franchise Business Review's "Innovative Franchises" list in 2017.

As part of the brand's development strategy, FASTSIGNS is also targeting co-brand and conversion opportunities whereby print shop owners can expand their services by adding FASTSIGNS to their existing business or convert their business into a thriving FASTSIGNS center.

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, FASTSIGNS' co-brand centers 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. Both the co-brand franchise opportunity and conversion can be started with only $15,000 down on the initial franchise fee.