CARROLLTON, Texas, June 21, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As FASTSIGNS International Inc., the worldwide franchisor of FASTSIGNS® visual communications, signage and graphics centers, continues to augment itself as a leader in its industry, the company is furthering its growth north of the border with two new deals to convert independently owned sign shops into FASTSIGNS franchises in Canada.
Scheduled to open under the FASTSIGNS name in late summer or early fall 2012, the two new FASTSIGNS centers will be opening in London, Ontario and Barrie, Ontario. With 24 centers already operating in Canada, FASTSIGNS plans to open 10-15 additional centers throughout Canada over the next two years.
"Our expansion into Canada presents a great opportunity for existing independent sign shop owners to become part of a worldwide brand," said Mark Jameson, FASTSIGNS Senior Vice President of Franchise Support & Development. "With 20 independent sign shops already converted into FASTSIGNS centers within the past 24 months, we look forward to continuing our growth throughout Canada with conversion centers as well as new FASTSIGNS centers."
Vesna and Brandon Cestaric of Sign Central in Barrie, Ontario will be converting their store to a FASTSIGNS in fall 2012.
"Converting our store to a FASTSIGNS franchise offers significant benefits to customers, including higher quality sign service, creativity and efficiency," Vesna said. "Brandon and I wanted to be part of this organization for its cutting edge innovation, marketing, business and technical resources."
As part of the support provided to independent sign shop owners, FASTSIGNS offers financing for conversion agreements in addition to reduced royalties for the first year in operation. The company offers the leading brand name in the sign and graphics industry and the latest technology, cost savings and relationships with national vendors and suppliers, comprehensive marketing and visual communications solutions and the benefits of networking with FASTSIGNS centers nationwide.
"I am looking forward to officially becoming a partner of the FASTSIGNS franchise system," said Ted Schouten, who will be converting his independent sign shop in London, Ontario into a FASTSIGNS center later this year. "I was attracted to FASTSIGNS' proven business model and the success of its franchise owners. I am confident that the franchise's business development, ongoing sales and marketing support, will help me achieve long term growth goals in Ontario and the surrounding areas."
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, printing and other marketing services.
For franchise information, visit www.fastsigns.com or contact Mark Jameson at mark.jameson@fastsigns.com or (214) 346-5679.
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 US (and Puerto Rico), Canada, England, Brazil, Mexico, the Caribbean, Saudi Arabia and Australia (where centers operate as SIGNWAVE®). FASTSIGNS® provides comprehensive visual communications solutions to help customers of all sizes – across all industries – meet their business objectives and increase their business visibility through the use of signs, graphics, printing, promotional products and related marketing services. 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®.
The FASTSIGNS International, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=11508