Fantastic Sams Hair Salons, a Leading U.S. Salon Franchise Network, Announces Acquisition by DESSANGE International

BEVERLY, Mass., Jan. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- FANTASTIC SAMS Hair Salons, the country's leading network of full service salons, announced today that DESSANGE International has acquired all of the outstanding shares of Fantastic Sams Holding Corp.

Fantastic Sams Hair Salons has a company operated and franchise network of over 1,200 salons in 46 states with over 13,000 salon employees in North America. The company opened its first salon in Memphis, Tennessee in 1974 and began franchising salons in 1976. Over the past 37 years, the company has built a reputation for offering quality service and style at affordable pricing for the entire family.

As the world's leading beauty network, DESSANGE International has over 6,000 employees and owns and operates salons and beauty institutes in more than 45 countries. The acquisition of Fantastic Sams doubles DESSANGE International's hair salon network to over 2,000 salons, of which 1,500 are located outside of France.

The acquisition of Fantastic Sams Hair Salons is the next step in DESSANGE International's expansion in the U.S., following the acquisition of the DESSANGE Paris North American master franchise in April 2011. DESSANGE International will rely on Fantastic Sams' strong management team and best practices to accelerate the growth of the existing franchise, as well as to introduce and develop the company's Camille ALBANE brand in North America.

Benjamin Dessange, Chairman and CEO of DESSANGE International commented: "We are delighted to welcome the Fantastic Sams team to the DESSANGE group, and excited about the significant growth opportunities that this will create. This acquisition once again confirms our pioneering leadership position in the international development of the hair salon franchise market."

Scott Colabuono, President and CEO of Fantastic Sams Hair Salons, said: "Joining DESSANGE International, with whom we have been discussing joint development opportunities over the past several years, will greatly help us accelerate our growth in North America. Our goal is to have over 2,000 Fantastic Sams and 300 Camille ALBANE salons."

About Fantastic Sams:

Fantastic Sams® Hair Salons is one of the largest full-service hair care franchises in the world, providing the same quality services as independent salons, but at a fraction of the cost. In 2011, the company topped the lists of franchise rankings in Entrepreneur Magazine, USA Today and Franchise Times, to name a few. 

Fantastic Sams Hair Salons have a breadth of offerings including cut, color, highlights, perms, texturizing, multi-cultural services and special occasion styling. In its 37-year history, Fantastic Sams Hair Salons has earned a reputation for providing beauty offerings on the cutting edge of today's style for the entire family. http://www.fantasticsams.com/

About DESSANGE International:

Established in 1954, DESSANGE has a unique network of over 450 salons in 40 countries and is positioned in the luxury market with 200 beauty institutes and over 6,000 employees. Salons under the DESSANGE umbrella include: DESSANGE, DESSANGE Paris USA, Camille Albane and FREDERIC Moreno. The company's development is focused on growth outside France through its unique master franchise concept.  The company has also developed a total beauty range of beauty treatments as well as hair care, face and body and make-up products and accessory lines.  http://www.dessange-international.com/en/

SOURCE Fantastic Sams Hair Salons