FASTSIGNS International Growth Lands Company on Top Global Franchise List (AcT)

Sign & Graphics Franchise Continues Overseas Expansion

CARROLLTON, Texas, Oct. 17, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With more than 25 years of experience in franchising domestically and in other countries, FASTSIGNS International Inc. was recognized as one of the top global franchises by Entrepreneur Magazine.

The worldwide franchisor of visual communications, signage and graphics centers, with 530 locations in eight countries, was listed by Entrepreneur Magazine among some of the franchise industry's biggest players, including Subway and Days Inn. FASTSIGNS® came in at No. 83 of 200, earning a higher ranking than its competitors in the category. The ranking features a list of North American franchisors expanding outside of the United States, and is listed in order according to how they placed in Entrepreneur's 2012 Franchise 500®, where FASTSIGNS ranked No. 1 in the sign and graphics category.

"The need for the services that we provide cross borders," said FASTSIGNS CEO Catherine Monson. "Companies across the globe are always going to need brand awareness and visibility. Our goal is to remain a leader in the sign and visual graphics industry by meeting that demand with our full-service visual communications solutions, both domestically and in other countries."

Helping to fill that need, FASTSIGNS recently opened new centers in Saudi Arabia, Puerto Rico and Grand Cayman, with planned expansion through franchising in the Middle East, India, Central and South America. Company executives noted that Eastern Europe is also being targeted as a prime market for growth. FASTSIGNS is seeking experienced area developers to augment the company's international growth efforts.

FASTSIGNS offers the leading brand name in the sign and graphics industry and the latest technology, cost savings and relationships with national vendors, comprehensive marketing and visual communications solutions and the benefits of networking with FASTSIGNS centers worldwide.

About FASTSIGNS^®

FASTSIGNS International, Inc. is the worldwide franchisor for the more than 530 FASTSIGNS^® sign, graphic and visual communications centers in eight countries including the U.S. (and Puerto Rico), Canada, England, Brazil, Mexico, the Caribbean, Saudi Arabia and Australia (where centers operate as SIGNWAVE^®). FASTSIGNS was ranked number one for the second year in a row in the sign and graphic category in the 2012 Entrepreneur Magazine annual Franchise 500^®. For franchise information, contact Mark Jameson (mark.jameson@fastsigns.com or 214-346-5679) or visit www.fastsigns.com.

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