Batteries Plus, the nation's largest and fastest-growing battery retailer, was recently ranked No. 31 overall on the AllBusiness AllStar Franchise list rankings and the No. 1 retail battery franchise. The AllBusiness AllStar list compiles the 300 "best of the best" franchises for 2011.

In its third year, the AllBusiness AllStar Franchise rankings are based on a number of criteria analyzed by the AllBusiness.com team. The franchises are evaluated and ranked based on franchise unit growth rate, financial strength, system size, number of years in business, number of years franchising, availability of financing and Web (brand) visibility. This is the third year that Batteries Plus has been named to the rankings. Ranking overall at No. 59 in 2009 and 2010, the company rose higher on the AllStar list this year thanks to improvements in the various rankings categories.

"We are thrilled to be named the No. 1 retail battery franchise and No. 31 overall on the AllBusiness AllStar list" said Russ Reynolds, CEO. "Batteries Plus is experiencing record growth. Our strong financial position as well as the explosive growth of mobile devices should propel us even higher up the list for 2012."

The first Batteries Plus store opened in 1988 in Green Bay, WI, and primarily sold car batteries, alternators, starters, and belts, with a limited selection of specialty batteries. Since then, the company has experienced substantial growth, beginning to franchise in 1992 to Fort Wayne, IN, and establishing over 440 stores in 45 states today. In 2010, the company opened a record 60 new stores and signed 45 franchise deals to open 63 new stores. With access to over 30,000 batteries and accessories and more than 1 million batteries sold per week, Batteries Plus is the nation's largest retail chain of its kind.

CONTACT:  Aaron Gessner, Fishman Public Relations, agessner[at]fishmanpr.com