With more than 550 stores open in 46 states and Puerto Rico, Batteries Plus, the nation's first, largest and fastest growing battery and light bulb franchise, recently ranked #1 in the battery category as part of the 2013 Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise 500^®.

Entrepreneur's Franchise 500^® is the world's first, best and most comprehensive franchise ranking based on objective, quantifiable measures of success. The most important factors include financial strength and stability, growth rate and size of the system. Only franchise companies that supply full Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs) or Canadian Disclosure Documents and whose information is verified by Entrepreneur can receive a listing. Overall, Batteries Plus ranked #71.

"This is the seventeenth consecutive year that Batteries Plus has been included on the prestigious list," said Russ Reynolds, CEO of Batteries Plus. "Over the past three years, our company has experienced a 45 percent increase in store count, and in 2012 we opened 46 stores and received signed agreements to open 59 more stores. We've established ourselves as the leading franchise serving the rapidly growing demands of consumers and businesses in both the battery and light bulb industries, which has resulted in exponential growth for our brand at a time when many competitors have either struggled or failed."

Batteries Plus stores carry light bulb products ranging from the common recessed lighting, track lighting, incandescent and energy-efficient options to extraordinary, highly-specialized light bulbs for cars/trucks, healthcare equipment, aquariums, projectors, and more. Specialized account programs also fulfill large volume and energy-efficient lighting needs for businesses nationwide.

In addition to its impressive lighting offerings, Batteries Plus stores have access to batteries for thousands of devices, ranging from common items such as watches, cars/trucks, digital cameras, laptops and cell/smartphones to those hard-to-find batteries for old toys and novelty or obscure electronic devices. Stores also offer an on-site tech center to assemble, test, condition and design custom battery packs for rechargeable household and business-to-business products, as well as battery installation services for many applications including watches, cars/trucks, and keyless remotes, among others. Batteries Plus stores offer an in-store recycling program using EPA-approved methods for safely recycling batteries, light bulbs, and select portable electronic devices.

"As the demand drivers in the battery and light bulb industries continue growing, Batteries Plus will continue growing right along with them," says Reynolds. "As we further our development efforts and open stores, we'll continue to innovate and evolve through new partnerships, new products and investments into the brand."

ABOUT BATTERIES PLUS
Batteries Plus is the nation’'s first, largest and fastest growing battery and light bulb franchise with over 550 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, 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, Massage Envy 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*.

*Freedonia Research Study

Contact: Stacy Rubenstein, Fishman Public Relations, srubenstein@fishmanpr.com