United Franchise Group Signs Agreement with Franchise Finance for $5 Million Franchisee Lending Program

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., June 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The United Franchise Group (UFG), a $500 million West Palm Beach franchise development firm, today announced it has reached an agreement for a franchisee lending program with Franchise Finance, the oldest independent franchise finance company in the U.S. The program aims to facilitate growth by lending financial support to new and existing UFG franchisees, while offering exclusive access to $5 million of development capital. Franchise Finance has established National Finance programs with only the top 10% of all Franchise Concepts.

"We are proud to partner with Franchise Finance for this exclusive franchise lending program," said Ray Titus, CEO of United Franchise Group. "This program provides a tremendous opportunity for prospective and existing franchisees who want to grow with UFG, but would otherwise have a difficult time securing capital given the current lending environment."

According to a recent study by the International Franchise Association, franchise lending has seen a 40 percent decline, resulting in the loss of nearly 50,000 jobs and more than $5 billion in economic activity. The Franchise Finance lending program was specifically designed to meet the needs of franchisees and specializes in conventional, SBA loans, as well as construction loans and multi lines of credit.

"UFG is the only service-type franchisor we feel confident investing $5 Million into, and we feel secure because of their strong management and business model" said Rick Anderson, general manager of Franchise Finance. "Franchise Finance will provide the custom lending solutions that will enable qualified UFG franchisees to build their businesses."

UFG is made up of five industry-leading franchise brands including SIGNARAMA, the world's largest full-service sign business; EmbroidMe, the world's largest embroidery franchise; Billboard Connection, a home-based advertising agency; Plan Ahead Events, a home-based event planning business; and TransWorld Business Advisors, a business brokerage and franchise development services firm. In 2010, UFG developed nearly 200 new franchises and projects its growth trend to continue in 2011 with a goal of adding up to 300 new franchise locations around the world.

Last year, Entrepreneur magazine ranked UFG number one in its category for the ninth consecutive year in the publication's annual "Franchise 500" ranking, which is determined by factors such as financial strength, growth rate and size. Additionally, Franchise Times also ranked UFG as a Top 200 franchise.

About the United Franchise Group (UFG):

United Franchise Group (http://www.unitedfranchisegroup.com) is a $500-million franchising expert with 30 years of experience and 1,400 franchise locations in over 50 countries. Brands include SIGNARAMA, EmbroidMe, Billboard Connection, Plan Ahead Events, and Transworld Business Advisors. Information on franchising opportunities is available at 800-286-8671 (U.S.) or 001-561-640-5570 (international).

About Franchise Finance:

Franchise Finance was founded in 1988 and is the oldest Independent Franchise Finance Company in the United States. Franchise Finance is an affiliated company of Arkansas Home Banc Shares, one of the largest Arkansas Bank Holding Corporations (approx $3 Billion in assets) and is publicly traded. For more information visit www.franchise-finance.com or contact 501-228-4047.

Media Contact:
Carmen Ordonez
email: [email protected]
Phone: 954-893-9150

SOURCE United Franchise Group

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