FASTSIGNS International Acquired by LA-Based Equity Firms

Carrollton, Texas-based sign shop franchisor FASTSIGNS International Inc. announces that it has been purchased by the Los Angeles-based private equity firms of LightBay Capital and Freeman Spogli & Co.

Founded in 1985, FASTSIGNS is one of the largest franchisors in the signage and visual graphics industry with more than 700 locations across 45 U.S. states and eight other countries.

“The FASTSIGNS team has done a remarkable job building the company into the leading franchisor in the signage and visual graphics industry,” says David Burcham, managing director at LightBay. “FASTSIGNS provides substantial value to its franchisees through its experienced franchise support, training and marketing teams, helping its franchisees offer their customers customized products and value-add services. We look forward to partnering with Freeman Spogli and the management team to support the company in its next phase of growth.”

Adds Brad Brutocao, a partner at Freeman Spogli: “FASTSIGNS has a high-quality franchise base, best-in-class management team, and a 30-year track record of impressive performance. We share management’s vision for the company and are excited to support its efforts to accelerate growth as long-term investors in the company.”

The equity firms’ announcement made no mention of any changes at FASTSIGNS International. The company’s management team consists of Catherine Monson, CEO; Ron Herbert, chief financial officer; Mark Jameson, executive vice president of franchise support and development; and Drue Townsend, senior vice president of marketing.

“We are delighted to partner with LightBay and Freeman Spogli, whose franchising industry expertise, network of relationships and capital will be a valuable resource as we embark on a significant expansion of our footprint,” Monson says.