BrightStar Announces International Expansion Into Canada

Online, August 30, 2010 (Newswire.com) - GURNEE, IL - After nearly six years of exponential franchise growth in the United States, BrightStar, a full-service healthcare staffing agency that provides both medical and non-medical homecare, announces its expansion into Canada with the award of a Master Franchise.

"The growing demand for private home care services provides a tremendous opportunity for BrighStar franchise growth throughout Canada and the world," said Shelly Sun, CEO and Co-founder of BrightStar. "Having already anchored ourselves as the premier healthcare franchise in the United States now is the perfect time for us to develop our brand and our presence in the competitive international market."

As part of an aggressive international expansion initiative targeting Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom, BrightStar is pleased to announce that Jim Jacoboni from Burnaby, British Columbia has been awarded the master franchise for British Columbia and Alberta.

Jim Jacoboni, will oversee and support the development of franchise locations throughout the two western provinces. Jim is a veteran business executive with more than 25 years of experience in the health care industry. Prior to making a decision to embark on his own business venture, Jim was most recently employed with Praxair Canada Inc. Medigas, a global Fortune 300 company and held senior management positions.

"I am excited to have the opportunity to open the first BrightStar franchise in Canada," said Jacoboni. "We look forward to providing every level of care for this aging generation and peace of mind to clients and their families."

Home healthcare has taken on a more significant role in Canada's healthcare system in recent years. According to the Canadian Home Care Association, there has been a significant increase in Home Care Services since 1997. Restructuring in hospitals and shortages of long-term care facilities has resulted in much needed healthcare services being delivered within the home environment. As a result, home care has emerged as an integral part of the healthcare system and is essential to its sustainability. Today, seniors make up over 13% of the general population and by 2036, there will be almost 11.5 million seniors in Canada.

The expansive growth of the home healthcare industry has not been unique to the U.S. According to Anne Rockingham, Director of International Operations for BrightStar, who will oversee the company's growth in Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom, "Canada is an untapped market for growth and we are thrilled to have Jim on board to oversee our first markets abroad."

Founded in 2002, BrightStar is a full-service healthcare staffing agency that provides the full continuum of care, from homecare to supplemental staffing for corporate clients such as hospitals, nursing homes, and doctors offices. In August 2005, BrightStar began franchising, and became the first franchising company in the United States to specialize in both medical and non-medical care and healthcare staffing.

Today, BrightStar has grown from one company-owned store to over 160 locations in 31 states and will reach 400 franchise locations sold by the end of 2011. BrightStar opens 7-12 territories each month and has experienced 811% system-wide revenue growth between 2006 and 2008.

The initial investment to own and operate a BrightStar master franchise in Canada ranges from $226,459 - $540,470 depending on the specific province. Start-up costs for a sub franchise range from $79,451- $174,924. Through a combination of a comprehensive training program and frequently updated operating and marketing materials to incorporate best practices, BrightStar has an unwavering commitment to helping franchisees succeed in their local markets. Also included is the company's proprietary cutting-edge Web-based management system that integrates personnel management, payroll and billing, and sales.

For more information on franchise opportunities in Canada, Australia and the U.K please contact Anne Rockingham at [email protected] or visit www.brightstarcare.com.

About BrightStar
Based in Chicago, BrightStar is a full-service healthcare staffing agency that provides medical and non-medical homecare to private clients within their homes, as well as supplemental healthcare staff to corporate clients. BrightStar's well-qualified, attentive caregivers provide peace of mind to clients and their families. They work to understand the needs of their clients and provide customized care to match them with a qualified, pre-screened caregiver who is compatible with their needs. BrightStar is one of the few home healthcare providers that offer both medical and non-medical homecare available to all clients 24/7.

For more information on BrightStar, please visit www.brightstarcare.com. To learn more about becoming part of the BrightStar family as a franchisee, visit www.brightstarfranchise.com.