Beverly-based Fantastic Sams bought by French firm

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January 25, 2012

By Paul Leighton Staff writer The Salem News Wed Jan 25, 2012, 04:45 AM EST

BEVERLY — Just call them Fantastique Sams.

Actually, the Fantastic Sams Hair Salon chain is not changing its name after its purchase last week by the French company Dessange International. And it's not leaving Beverly, either.

With more than 1,200 hair salons in 46 states and more than 13,000 salon employees, Fantastic Sams is one of the largest hair-care franchises in the world. But few people probably know that its corporate headquarters is on Dunham Road in Beverly, between The Salem News and North Shore Music Theatre.

Fantastic Sams President and CEO Scott Colabuono, who is staying on as CEO, said that won't change despite its acquisition by Paris-based Dessange.

"Headquarters is going to stay in Beverly," Colabuono said. "We just renewed our lease. We love Dunham Road."

Fantastic Sams was started by barber Sam Ross in Memphis in the 1970s and grew to a franchise of 1,200 salons. The corporate headquarters has been located at 50 Dunham Road since 2003, when the company was owned by a Massachusetts-based private equity company.

A total of 17 people work at the Fantastic Sams headquarters, including Colabuono, who lives in Marblehead.

"We have a sign out on Brimbal Avenue that says, 'Fantastic Sams World Headquarters,' but I'm not sure too many people know we're here," Colabuono aid. "We run a significant company in 46 states and Canada, and we do it all back here on Dunham Road."

Colabuono said a couple of employees from Dessange will be relocated to Beverly for "synergy" reasons.

Under the new ownership, Fantastic Sams will be charged with growing its existing franchise and also with introducing Dessange's Camille Albane brand in North America, Colabuono said.

Dessange International has more than 6,000 employees and owns and operates salons in 45 countries. The acquisition of Fantastic Sams doubles its hair salon network to more than 2,000 salons.

"It's a win-win for both of us," Colabuono said. "We're now aligned with a global franchise in 45 countries. We'll be the developer of the Camille Albane brand in the United States, and we'll continue with the organic growth of the Fantastic Sams branch."

Colabuono said the goal is to have more than 2,000 Fantastic Sams and 300 Camille Albane salons.

Staff writer Paul Leighton can be reached at 978-338-2675 or by email at pleighton@salemnews.com.

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Beverly-based Fantastic Sams bought by French firm

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