Printing and Imaging Giant To Offer Matchmaking Service For Franchise Owners

Posted on March 13, 2007 by

Allegra Network Announces Success of Conversion Print Center Program

Northville, Mich., – Savvy franchisees seeking match made in heaven.  Ideal candidates must own an independent print shop and be willing to sell.  No, it’s not a dating service, but it will help two individuals find the connection they have been looking for….

The matchmaker is Allegra Network, one of the world’s largest graphic communications franchises.

Through Allegra’s Conversion Print Center Program, the company “matches” franchise members with existing printing company owners who are seeking an exit strategy.  Maybe these owners are looking to retire or simply don’t have the time or money to invest in new equipment in order to stay competitive in their market.

Allegra works with both the buyer and seller throughout the entire sale process to ensure the business is left in the right hands.  This includes conducting a valuation study to determine what the existing business is worth, training the new business owner on industry and organizational business systems, marketing, and other franchise support needed to convert the business to the Allegra Print & Imaging brand.

With an established customer base, experienced staff, immediate cash flow and proven track record, these new Conversion franchisees enjoy distinct advantages most start-up franchises cannot provide. This opportunity offers a turnkey business for the Allegra franchisee.

“We know independent printers have worked hard to achieve success and it is our goal to make sure their business is left in the right hands,” said Darryl Buchanan, vice president of franchise development for Allegra Network.

As one of the world’s largest print and graphic communications franchises with more than 600 locations, Allegra Network has led the industry consolidation trend for more than 11 years. In fact, the company has helped more than 200 independent printers of all sizes sell their businesses successfully and has completed four corporate acquisitions of its own, growing its network to $369 million in sales.  Allegra Conversion Print Centers offer full-service printing and graphic communications services, including full-color printing, graphic design, digital color printing, signs, mailing services and more.

“This is an unbelievable way to sell your business,” commented Rich Arnold, former owner of VersaPrint in Cincinnati, Ohio. “I have been very active in the industry for more than 30 years and know there are many business owners who are ready to start the next phase of their life and sell their business, but just don’t know how. This is a simple and easy way to do it.”

Arnold recently sold his business to Steve Kapuscinski, a new Allegra Network franchisee with more than 20 years of consulting and operations management experience in the paper industry.

“My operation was in pretty good shape, but I needed to reinvest in order to take it to the next level. With the support Steve has received from the Allegra Network team, the business has a new identity and a new, more professional image, not to mention a team of experts he can call on at any time,” Arnold added.

The initial investment to open an Allegra Conversion Print Center is $155,600 to $429,000 and seller financing is available.  Allegra Network will help prospective franchise owners find and purchase a qualified printing business, council them on necessary upgrades, teach them how to manage the location, and provide them with ongoing operational, marketing, technical and field support to help take their business to the next level.

The franchise opportunity is perfect for downsized corporate executives who are looking to maintain the financial lifestyle they have grown accustomed to having.  According to Buchanan, nearly 75 percent of Allegra’s Conversion Print Center owners are formerly from the corporate world.  Many have been former vice presidents in sales, marketing, finance, operations or IT.

About Allegra Network

Allegra Network LLC is one of world’s largest print and graphic communications franchises linking more than 600 locations across North America and abroad. With system-wide sales of $369 million (2006), the company ranks in the top 150 among all franchise companies in the world and is considered a leader in franchise training, technology implementation and franchise member profitability. Allegra Network was founded in 1976 and today supports three primary brands under its print division – Allegra Print & Imaging, American Speedy Printing and Insty-Prints and the Signs Now brand under its sign division. Principal shareholders include Domino’s Pizza founder/former CEO and Ave Maria University founder Thomas S. Monaghan and members of Allegra Network management.