HARTLAND, WI—Batteries Plus, the nation's largest and fastest growing battery and light bulb franchise, was listed as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the United States in the September 2011 issue of Inc. magazine's Annual "Inc. 500 | 5000" list. Experiencing a three-year growth of 69 percent and ranking #136 in the retail industry, Batteries Plus continues to establish itself as the #1 battery and light bulb retailer and franchise leader.

Inc. magazine's Top 5000 list profiles businesses that have proven their strategies to be successful in leading to increased growth, revenue, reputation and ones that have become trendsetters in their respective industries. Only the very best private, employee-based firms in America are awarded the distinction of being named to the Inc. 500 | 5000, the gold standard of entrepreneurial success.

Since 1988, Batteries Plus has expanded their presence to more than 470 locations in 46 states and Puerto Rico. Having opened a record 60 stores in 2010, Batteries Plus is continuing its rapid growth in 2011 by opening over 1 store per week. Because of this rapid growth, the consistent demand for battery products and services, outstanding levels of support and training, and national brand recognition, Batteries Plus is recognized as one of the nation's top franchise opportunity offerings.

Batteries Plus is owned by Roark Capital Group, an Atlanta-based private equity firm. Roark invests primarily in consumer and business services companies, with a focus on the franchise, food and restaurant, specialty retail, environmental services, waste management, and marketing services sectors. Roark's current franchise portfolio includes companies such as: Carvel Ice Cream, Cinnabon, Schlotzsky's, Moe's Southwest Grill, Seattle's Best Coffee International on military bases and in certain international markets, McAlister's Deli, FastSigns, Money Mailer, Arby's, Primrose Schools, Wingstop, Pet Valu and Auntie Anne's. In total, Roark has invested in franchise brands that together have generated more than $8 billion in system sales and have 45,000 points of distribution in all 50 U.S. states and 47 countries around the world.

The 2011 issue of Inc. magazine's 500 | 5000 list is the fifth consecutive year Batteries Plus has been honored for their success. The 2011 Inc. 500 | 5000 ranks companies according to percentage of revenue growth when comparing 2007 to 2010. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by June 31, 2007.

ABOUT BATTERIES PLUS

Batteries Plus is the nation's largest and fastest growing battery and light bulb franchise. Batteries Plus, designated by Inc. Magazine as the nation's fastest growing specialty retailer and ranked as the #1 Battery Franchise by both Entrepreneur Magazine and D&B AllBusiness.com, has over 470 locations in 46 states and Puerto Rico. With access to more than 30,000 types of batteries, light bulbs and accessories, Batteries Plus has the widest selection of battery and light bulb products available and offers unmatched service to consumers, businesses and government entities at the national and local levels. Batteries Plus stores also feature Tech Centers equipped to design, assemble, rebuild, and test custom battery packs. Batteries Plus continues its reign as the undisputed leader in the expanding $30.7 billion U.S. battery replacement market, estimated to reach $34.6 billion by 2014 and in the growing light bulb replacement market estimated to be at $14 billion. To learn more about our exciting franchise opportunities and joining the battery and light bulb franchise leader please visit www.batteriesplus.com for more information.

Media Contact: Liz Durkin, Fishman Public Relations, (847) 945-1300 ldurkin[at]fishmanpr.com