ALLEGRA NETWORK TO ACQUIRE SIGNS NOW CORPORATION

Northville, Mich., Allegra Network LLC, the world's fourth largest printing franchise in system-wide sales, has signed a purchase agreement to acquire the assets and franchise agreements of the third largest sign franchise, Signs Now Corporation. The joint announcement was recently made by Allegra Network Chairman and CEO William McIntyre and President and COO Carl Gerhardt at the company's headquarters in Northville, Michigan. The acquisition is expected to close January 31.

Allegra Network, founded in 1976, has more than 400 locations in the United States, Canada and Japan with system-wide sales of $265 million (2004). Signs Now, founded in 1983, has more than 240 locations operating in 41 states, Canada, the United Kingdom and Brazil with system-wide sales of more than $70 million (2004).

Operational support for Signs Now franchise members will continue to be provided by the Signs Now headquarters in Bradenton, Florida. Certain administrative functions will be moved to Allegra Network offices in Northville, Michigan.

"We are proud to have grown Allegra Network to what it is today - an established industry leader, providing print communications and graphics services to businesses," commented Gerhardt. "The acquisition of Signs Now is a strategic move in the expansion of our services and another step in fulfilling our vision, 'To build a progressive network of the best graphic communication providers in North America.'" Gerhardt continued, "The emergence of digital technology in the graphic arts industry creates unique cross-over synergies among our printing brands and the sign industry. We are a business to business franchise network. This acquisition strengthens our platform for further expansion as total solutions providers."

Steve White, Allegra Network executive vice president added, "We are very excited about the new opportunities for current and prospective franchise members of both organizations. Allegra Network and Signs Now franchise members will benefit from a greater presence as a larger network, as well as increased buying power and resources."

In addition, the acquisition creates advantages for their customers and the communities they serve. From concept to finish, digital and traditional printing to large format services, all will be offered at Allegra Network.

"Allegra Network possesses a deep commitment to providing their franchise members with the instrumental tools to enhance and grow their businesses," commented Signs Now current CEO Mike Etchieson. "They have the resources and support to truly take Signs Now to the next level."

This is the fourth acquisition Allegra Network has completed in the last 10 years. In 1995, the company acquired Zippy Print, a Canadian franchise printing company with 37 locations. In 1998, Allegra Network acquired the franchise agreements of 24 Quik Print and Instant Copy centers from XYAN, Inc. and in 2002, the company acquired the assets and franchise agreements of Insty-Prints, Inc., with 210 locations. In addition to its corporate successes, Allegra Network has helped its franchisees complete more than 140 acquisitions in their local markets, attributing to more than $43 million in incremental sales.

The acquisition of Signs Now is part of Allegra Network's continuing growth strategy. Other parts of the plan implemented to date include the relocation of the company's corporate office and launch of the Allegra Print & Imaging Digital Print Center last year, three key management promotions earlier this year, as well as the company's consistent and comprehensive efforts to acquire other business-to-business franchise chains.

Allegra Network is privately owned by an investor group led by the company's management team. Principal shareholders include Bill McIntyre, members of Allegra Network management and Domino's Pizza founder and former CEO Thomas S. Monaghan. Signs Now is also privately-owned.

Signs Now is one of the world's largest providers of indoor and outdoor signage, exhibit displays and large-scale graphics. A pioneer in the sign industry as the first sign franchise, Signs Now provides an array of sign solutions from creative concept to final production of high-impact, professional signs, banners and other visual communications tools to businesses worldwide. Allegra Network, with more than 400 locations in North America and Japan, supports six brands including Allegra Print & Imaging, American Speedy Printing, Instant Copy, Insty-Prints, Speedy Printing and Zippy Print. Its independently-owned franchises specialize in full-service print and graphic communications.

The company was ranked 108 on Entrepreneur magazine's Annual Franchise 500®, and 90th on the publication's global franchisor list (2004). Allegra Network was also rated the best in its industry and the 20th fastest growing franchise according to Entrepreneur based on the company's financial strength, stability, growth rate and size (2003). These honors mark the 20th year that Allegra Network has ranked among the publication's prestigious list.

Contact Tina Virga at (248) 596-8613 for more information.

 

ALLEGRA PRINT & IMAGING FOOTPRINT FUND TO AWARD PRINT SERVICES TO NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

Seven Allegra Network members join together to help nonprofits "leave a footprint" in Minneapolis area community

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- The Allegra Print & Imaging FootPRINT Fund will help Minneapolis area nonprofit organizations "leave a footprint" in the community by awarding print services for promotional and informational materials.
The participating Allegra Print & Imaging locations will collectively award $35,000 annually to nonprofit organizations and associations seeking financial assistance for graphic design and printing of brochures, newsletters, handouts, invitations, programs and other print communications. Applicants that qualify are eligible to receive up to $1,000 each in 2004.

"All of us are passionate about giving back to our communities and we feel that by working together we can maximize the effectiveness of the FootPRINT Fund," said Phil Cheney, owner of Allegra Print & Imaging in Downtown Minneapolis and member of the Twin Cities Metro Co-op of Allegra Print & Imaging locations. "We hope that this program will provide a means of helping local organizations receive assistance in an area that may not be addressed by other funding sources."

Allegra Print & Imaging launched the FootPRINT Fund as part of its Community Care Campaign, a nationwide effort supported by the company's franchise headquarters, Allegra Network. The FootPRINT Fund was developed to help unite and strengthen local communities by assisting eligible nonprofit organizations and associations in building their awareness and increasing local support. To be considered for a FootPRINT Fund award, nonprofit groups, associations and charitable organizations with a main office or branch in the Twin Cities Metro Area must submit a completed application by July 15, 2004. Application forms may be obtained at one of the seven participating Minneapolis area Allegra Print & Imaging locations in Brooklyn Center, Burnsville, Eden Prairie, Edina, Minneapolis, Plymouth, and Spring Lake Park.

Award recipients are selected by a review panel based on how the print services will be used to further organization goals including service expansion, program enhancement and maximization of existing resources, as well as the organization's innovation and resourcefulness. All applicants will be notified in writing of their award by August 1, 2004.

The Twin Cities area Allegra Print & Imaging locations feature traditional and advanced printing technologies including full-color printing, graphic design, digital color output, online file transfer, high-speed copying, complete finishing services and project consulting.

Allegra Print & Imaging is a member of Allegra Network LLC, one of the largest printing franchises in the world helping thousands of nonprofit organizations annually through Community Care campaigns such as the FootPRINT Fund for nonprofit friends. Contact your nearest Allegra Print & Imaging, American Speedy Printing Center, Instant Copy, Insty-Prints, Speedy Printing or Zippy Print location to inquire about participation in the Community Care programs.

For more information on the Minneapolis FootPRINT program, contact Larry Davis at (952) 890-6457.
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ALLEGRA PRINT & IMAGING CHOSEN TO DEBUT FIRST PRESS IN U.S.

 

 

 

 

Orlando, Fla. - Allegra Print & Imaging in Orlando has enhanced its printing and communications services with the addition of a new Heidelberg Printmaster 52 printing press - the first of its kind in the United States. Businesses now can receive commercial-quality print communications, such as marketing materials, annual reports, posters and brochures, while meeting tight deadlines in a cost-effective manner.

Business owners Don Snyder and Ken Stoecker were chosen to receive this press based on industry expertise, sales volume, knowledge of technology and the quality of the company's press operators.

"We are honored to be the first in the country to own the new Heidelberg press. This is just another way for us to meet the increasing client demand for more sophisticated printing capabilities and high-quality printing solutions," said Snyder.

Allegra Print & Imaging in Orlando, opened in 1982, serves more than 600 businesses and organizations. The company features traditional and advanced printing technologies including full-color printing, in-house graphic design services, electronic publishing, digital color output direct from computer disk, on-line file transfer, high speed copying, complete finishing services, mailing services, variable data capabilities, print management solutions and project consulting.

"We can complete a project faster than ever," said Snyder. "The new press can print brilliant full-color or two colors on both sides of the paper at the same time. This means quicker turnaround and a more cost-effective way to print for our customers. Clients also will be impressed with the enhanced quality of the press. We truly provide a 'total solution' to our clients' print communications needs."

Snyder and Stoecker are known for their innovative business practices and commitment to client service. They belong to the company's international President's Council, which represents the top five percent of Allegra Print & Imaging franchise owners in North America. They are also members of the International Drive Chamber of Commerce and the Orlando Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Allegra Print & Imaging is a member of Allegra Network LLC, one of the largest printing franchises in the world.

Contact Tina Virga at(248) 596-8613 for more information.

 

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