Levine Leichtman Capital Partners (LLCP) has partnered with management to complete the acquisition of Fastsigns International, a franchisor of custom sign and graphics stores. Fastsigns is the fourth investment from Levine Leichtman Capital Partners V, LP.
Fastsigns is the franchisor of Fastsigns centers which provide a full range of custom sign and graphics products to companies and individuals who want to outsource their signage needs. There are currently more than 550 Fastsigns retail locations worldwide in the United States, Canada, the UK, Brazil, the Cayman Islands, Mexico and Australia. Fastsigns was founded in 1985 and is headquartered north of Dallas in Carrollton, TX (www.fastsigns.com).
“We couldn’t be more excited to partner with Catherine Monson who has driven strong performance and solidified Fastsigns’ position as the market leader since joining as CEO in 2009,” said Lauren Leichtman, Co-Founder and CEO of LLCP. “The company’s growth prospects and strong cash flow characteristics resemble those of past successful LLCP franchise investments, and we look forward to our partnership with the company to generate another great outcome.”
Levine Leichtman manages approximately $7 billion of capital through private equity partnerships, distressed debt and leveraged loan funds. The firm is currently making new investments through Levine Leichtman Capital Partners V, LP; Levine Leichtman Capital Partners SBIC Fund, LP; and Levine Leichtman Capital Partners Private Capital Solutions II, LP. The firm is based in Los Angeles with offices in Chicago, Dallas, New York and London (www.llcp.com).
“Having a partner that understands franchising and the importance of providing valuable support to franchisees was critical to us in selecting our next financial partner. The deep experience LLCP has investing in franchise businesses inspired great confidence among my management team that they are the right partner to support our continued growth,” said Ms. Monson.
North Point Advisors (www.nptadvisors.com), a San Francisco based investment bank, advised Fastsigns on this transaction.
2014 PEPD • Private Equity’s Leading News Magazine • 7-23-14