Regis Charts European Growth, Acquisitions

Minneapolis--Regis Corp. kicked off its overseas growthstrategy by acquiring GGG Group, a 523-store beauty chain withfranchise locations primarily in France. The move nearly tripledthe firm's nondomestic holdings. Regis could potentially addanother 1,000 stores within the next several months, and withinthree to five years thinks it will be the largest salon franchisorin Europe. The acquisition of GGG Group's salons is expected togarner 50 to 60 new stores annually. While Regis will continueoperating the stores it owns in the United Kingdom, all otherinternational stores are expected to be franchised.--CityBusiness