ACE Cash Express Ranked #1 in Industry Category

ACE Cash Express, Inc., the nation's largest check-cashing chain and a significant provider of retail Financial Services has been ranked the #1 Franchise in the check cashing category. In addition ACE made the Top 100 Franchises List ranked at #59 among 500 franchise companies rated.

Entrepreneur Magazines 21st Annual Franchise 500 in the January 2000 issue is a comprehensive review of 500 Franchising companies. Rankings are based on financial strength, stability, growth, start up costs, rate of franchise terminations as well as other factors.

"ACE has been in the franchising business for only 4 years so this type of recognition that places ACE ahead of far more established franchising companies is a salute to our entire franchise staff, " said R.E. "Ed" McCarty, President of the ACE Franchise Group and Executive Vice President of ACE Cash Express, Inc.

ACE Franchise owner and President of the ACE Franchise Advisory Board Ben Davis, who franchises 7 stores in Louisiana said about the award, "ACE has tried and true systems that give me an edge over my competition. The organization's professionalism is evident in everything they do. As dynamic as this industry is, more than ever, we're glad to have ACE as our development partner."

"There is very little question that franchises who enter the ACE system benefit from our experience and size as the largest owner and operator of check cashing stores in the United States," added Mr. McCarty.

ACE Cash Express, Inc. is headquartered in Irving, Texas and is the largest owner, operator and franchiser of check-cashing stores in the United States. Founded in 1968, the company currently has a network of 964 stores, consisting of 817 company owned stores and 147 franchised stores in 29 states and the District of Columbia. ACE offers a broad range of financial and check cashing services and is one of the largest providers of MoneyGram wire transfers. In addition, ACE offers money orders, small consumer loans, bill payment services, and prepaid local and long distance telecommunication services.