Levine Leichtman Partners with Management to Acquire FASTSIGNS International

Blog Publisher’s Comment:

FastSigns was founded by Gary Salomon, but Gary sold most of his stake in FastSigns International years ago, at the time he retired from active management in the company.  Shortly after that (or around that time), Catherine Monson joined the company as its CEO, and Catherine has done an outstanding job growing FastSign International’s business.  Congratulations to Catherine on her partnership with Levine Leichtman Partners!

Levine Leichtman Partners with Management to Acquire FASTSIGNS International

Levine Leichtman Capital Partners has partnered with management to complete the acquisition of FASTSIGNS International.

Levine Leichtman Capital Partners, a Los Angeles-based private equity firm, has partnered with management to complete the acquisition of FASTSIGNS International. FASTSIGNS is the market leading franchisor in the custom sign and graphics industry with nearly 550 franchised locations across 44 US states and eight international countries with additional franchises recently sold and soon to open in the UAE and Northern Africa. FASTSIGNS is a sign, graphics and visual communications company that helps customers of all sizes – across all industries – meet their business objectives and increase their business visibility. Some of the products and services that FASTSIGNS uses to provide comprehensive solutions include vehicle, floor and window graphics, point of purchase signs, digital signs, labels and decals, architectural and interior décor signs, printing, promotional products and wearables, mobile marketing and other related marketing services. FASTSIGNS was founded in 1985 and is headquartered outside of Dallas, TX.

FASTSIGNS is the fourth investment from Levine Leichtman Capital Partners V, L.P. Lauren Leichtman, Co-Founder and CEO of LLCP, said, “We couldn’t be more excited to partner with Catherine Monson whom has driven strong performance and solidified FASTSIGNS’ position as the market leader since joining as CEO in 2009. 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.”

Catherine Monson, FASTSIGNS Chief Executive Officer, commented, “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.” FASTSIGNS was advised by North Point Advisors.