The United Franchise Group, a US multi-brand group which owns Sign*A*Rama, EmbroidMe and Billboard Connection, has hailed the success of its international department which has awarded nine new Master Franchises so far in 2006. The group has established agreements in Romania, Portugal, Ireland, Bahamas, Netherlands, New Zealand and South Korea, plus two in the UK.

"We have an immediate interest right now in Austria, Russia, Chile and Mexico, among others," adds Vice President of Training and International Director Jim Tatem. "We have no plans to slow our progress. We encompass the world's largest franchise systems in the signage, embroidery and outdoor advertising industries. Our brands and our success are becoming widely known around the world, to the point where we have to hire more staff to support the demand."

The company expects to end the year with a total of 11 new territories opened between all brands, and is on track to surpass its target of 60 new individual franchise units opening outside of the domestic US market.