In a move that poses significant benefits for both companies, Batteries Plus, the nation's first, largest and fastest-growing battery and light bulb franchise with over 525 locations and Duracell, the world's leading manufacturer of high-performance alkaline batteries, today announced a partnership that makes Batteries Plus the only retail licensee of the Duracell Procell brand.

The multi-year agreement will allow the retailer to use the Duracell Procell brand for the sale of select light bulbs and batteries. Initial launch categories expected to roll-out to Batteries Plus stores in the fourth quarter of 2012 include automobile batteries (SLI), CFL light bulbs (pin based, spiral and covered), Fluorescent Tubes (T8 lamps), and LED light bulbs. Future expansion into other product categories is expected in 2013 and beyond.

"Duracell provides immediate brand recognition with our commercial and retail customers," said Batteries Plus CEO Russ Reynolds. "We are excited to expand this relationship between Duracell and Batteries Plus over the coming months and years to continue providing our customers premium performance batteries and light bulbs."

Batteries Plus serves the expanding $30.7 billion U.S. battery industry and the growing U.S. light bulb industry estimated to be at $17 billion in sales.* Stores offer a comprehensive selection of batteries, light bulbs, related products and services that meet the growing demands of retail consumers and businesses alike. Having experienced a 44 percent increase in store count over the last three years, and with same store net revenue increasing an average of 9.3 percent each year during that same span, Batteries Plus remains one of the top franchise opportunities on the market in 2012.

"We've been working in partnership with Batteries Plus since 1994," said Shep Gerrish, Associate Director of New Business Development at Duracell. "This Brand Licensing Program expands that relationship significantly and shows the trust and confidence we have in the quality of service and product expertise that Batteries Plus provides its commercial and retail customers."

ABOUT BATTERIES PLUS
Batteries Plus is the nation's first, largest and fastest-growing battery and light bulb franchise with over 525 locations in 46 states and Puerto Rico. Batteries Plus is owned by Roark Capital Group opens in new window, an Atlanta-based private equity firm.  Roark's current franchise portfolio includes companies such as: Carvel Ice Cream opens in new window, Cinnabon opens in new window, Schlotzsky's opens in new window, Moe's Southwest Grill opens in new window, Seattle's Best Coffee opens in new window International, McAlister's Deli opens in new window, FastSigns opens in new window, Arby’s opens in new window, Primrose Schools opens in new window, Wingstop opens in new window, Pet Valu opens in new window and Auntie Anne’s opens in new window.  With access to more than 40,000 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 are 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 and in the rapidly growing U.S. light bulb replacement market estimated to be at $17 billion*. To learn more about our exciting franchise opportunities, please visit www.batteriesplus.com/franchise.  
*Freedonia Research Study

Media Contact: Aaron Gessner, Fishman Public Relations, 847-945-1300, agessner[at]fishmanpr.com