Batteries Plus Named One of America's Fastest-Growing Private Companies within the 2009 Inc. 5000 listing

Hartland, WI - Batteries Plus, the nation's franchise leader in the $24 billion dollar battery industry, was ranked as the fastest growing all-battery retail franchise and #3,143 overall in a comprehensive listing of the nation's top 5,000 privately held companies in the country.

The Inc. 5,000 list is ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2005 through 2008. Batteries Plus enjoyed a growth of more than 84 percent during that time period. To qualify for the rankings, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by the first week of 2005, and therefore able to show four full calendar years of sales. Additionally, they have to be U.S.-based, privately held, for profit, and independent -- not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies -- as of December 31, 2008.

"This ranking shows the strength of our company compared to the very best in the country," said Russ Reynolds, CEO of Batteries Plus.  "Batteries Plus does well in any economy because the demand drivers for our business are healthy. Our success and inclusion in this esteemed list is a testament to the hard work of all our home office employees, franchisees and store employees."

Reynolds cited the increased need for portable devices such as mp3 players, cell phones, digital cameras, laptops and camcorders, as well as strong support for franchisees and national brand recognition as factors contributing to the franchise system's 18 percent increase in same-store sales in 2008. 
The tremendous news of Batteries Plus being named on the Inc. 5000 list comes on the heels of being ranked No. 1 in the battery category and #59 overall in Dun & Bradstreet's AllBusiness AllStars rankings, which listed the top 300 best franchises in the country. The rankings assessed the strengths of franchising companies based upon criteria such as Web visibility and the latest financial strength scores from Dun & Bradstreet.

"Now, more than ever, consumers and businesses alike are dependent upon batteries for everyday life," added Reynolds. "With almost 25 years in business, we're more motivated than ever to keep growing and improving our business to stay on top."
Batteries Plus, the nation's largest retail battery chain serving retail and business customers, has been keeping up with the "batteries required" demand since opening its first store in 1988. The franchise system's growth continues to be driven by consistent demand for batteries, battery related products, and services, including battery powered electronic devices such as iPod/mp3 players, laptop computers, cell/smart phones, and digital cameras and camcorders. This demand, coupled with the high level of support and training the organization provides to franchise owners, as well as national brand recognition, makes Batteries Plus one of the most attractive franchise opportunity offerings in the country.