FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 20, 2005

Allegra Network to acquire Signs Now Corporation

Northville, Mich., Allegra Network LLC, the world's fourth largest printing franchise in system-wide sales, has signed a purchase agreement to acquire the assets and franchise agreements of the third largest sign franchise, Signs Now Corporation. The joint announcement was recently made by Allegra Network Chairman and CEO William McIntyre and President and COO Carl Gerhardt at the company's headquarters in Northville, Michigan. The acquisition is expected to close January 31.

Allegra Network, founded in 1976, has more than 400 locations in the United States, Canada and Japan with system-wide sales of $265 million (2004). Signs Now, founded in 1983, has more than 240 locations operating in 41 states, Canada, the United Kingdom and Brazil with system-wide sales of more than $70 million (2004).

Operational support for Signs Now franchise members will continue to be provided by the Signs Now headquarters in Bradenton, Florida. Certain administrative functions will be moved to Allegra Network offices in Northville, Michigan.

"We are proud to have grown Allegra Network to what it is today - an established industry leader, providing print communications and graphics services to businesses," commented Gerhardt. "The acquisition of Signs Now is a strategic move in the expansion of our services and another step in fulfilling our vision, 'To build a progressive network of the best graphic communication providers in North America.'" Gerhardt continued, "The emergence of digital technology in the graphic arts industry creates unique cross-over synergies among our printing brands and the sign industry. We are a business to business franchise network. This acquisition strengthens our platform for further expansion as total solutions providers."

Steve White, Allegra Network executive vice president added, "We are very excited about the new opportunities for current and prospective franchise members of both organizations. Allegra Network and Signs Now franchise members will benefit from a greater presence as a larger network, as well as increased buying power and resources."

In addition, the acquisition creates advantages for their customers and the communities they serve. From concept to finish, digital and traditional printing to large format services, all will be offered at Allegra Network.

"Allegra Network possesses a deep commitment to providing their franchise members with the instrumental tools to enhance and grow their businesses," commented Signs Now current CEO Mike Etchieson. "They have the resources and support to truly take Signs Now to the next level."

This is the fourth acquisition Allegra Network has completed in the last 10 years. In 1995, the company acquired Zippy Print, a Canadian franchise printing company with 37 locations. In 1998, Allegra Network acquired the franchise agreements of 24 Quik Print and Instant Copy centers from XYAN, Inc. and in 2002, the company acquired the assets and franchise agreements of Insty-Prints, Inc., with 210 locations. In addition to its corporate successes, Allegra Network has helped its franchisees complete more than 140 acquisitions in their local markets, attributing to more than $43 million in incremental sales.

The acquisition of Signs Now is part of Allegra Network's continuing growth strategy. Other parts of the plan implemented to date include the relocation of the company's corporate office and launch of the Allegra Print & Imaging Digital Print Center last year, three key management promotions earlier this year, as well as the company's consistent and comprehensive efforts to acquire other business-to-business franchise chains.

Allegra Network is privately owned by an investor group led by the company's management team. Principal shareholders include Bill McIntyre, members of Allegra Network management and Domino's Pizza founder and former CEO Thomas S. Monaghan. Signs Now is also privately-owned.

Signs Now is one of the world's largest providers of indoor and outdoor signage, exhibit displays and large-scale graphics. A pioneer in the sign industry as the first sign franchise, Signs Now provides an array of sign solutions from creative concept to final production of high-impact, professional signs, banners and other visual communications tools to businesses worldwide. Allegra Network, with more than 400 locations in North America and Japan, supports six brands including Allegra Print & Imaging, American Speedy Printing, Instant Copy, Insty-Prints, Speedy Printing and Zippy Print. Its independently-owned franchises specialize in full-service print and graphic communications.

The company was ranked 108 on Entrepreneur magazine's Annual Franchise 500®, and 90th on the publication's global franchisor list (2004). Allegra Network was also rated the best in its industry and the 20th fastest growing franchise according to Entrepreneur based on the company's financial strength, stability, growth rate and size (2003). These honors mark the 20th year that Allegra Network has ranked among the publication's prestigious list.

Contact Tina Virga at (248) 596-8613 for more information.

Allegra Network
21680 Haggerty Road
Northville, MI 48167
Phone: (248) 596-8613
Fax: 248.596.8601
Website URL: www.allegranetwork.com