FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Richmond Hill, ON. (April 28, 2021) – Hand and Stone Massage Spa Canada, a national chain of
massage, facial and hair removal spas, has acquired the Canadian franchise organization, Massage
Experts. The agreement adds 24 Massage Experts franchise locations to the Hand & Stone Canadian-based franchised network of 32. Massage Experts and Hand & Stone’s Canadian headquarters are in
Richmond Hill, Ontario.


According to H&S Massage Spa Canada Corporation President, John Teza, “This represents a
strategic investment in the continued growth of our network in Canada. Our organization began in
the U.S. in 2004 and expanded into the Canadian marketplace in 2009. Over the past 17 years, we
have aggressively invested in the areas with the most potential for long-term gains. We have
increased massage service modalities, expanded our facial service offerings with two strong product
lines of Dermalogica and ClarityRx, added waxing and we are rolling out our newest line of business
focusing on Laser Hair Removal. With the acquisition of Massage Experts Canada, our North
American network of franchised businesses is over 500 strong with system wide revenues estimated to
exceed $550 million dollars (US) in 2021.”
“With the acquisition completed we are now able to offer services to our valued clients right across
the country. Both brands will retain their unique brand identity and exceptional services, but,
consumers and our franchisees will benefit from the growing network. We are incredibly excited to
partner with Massage Experts franchise owners and team members.” Teza continued.
Massage Experts President and CEO, Clayton Hamilton, will remain active with Hand & Stone and
Massage Experts to ensure a strong transition and with a focus on growing the network of both
brands. “Our organization will be even stronger, benefiting from access to the resources and forward-thinking, franchise-focused values that the Hand & Stone organization possesses. It’s a win-win for
franchises in both organizations and I couldn’t be more pleased knowing that our franchisees and
their customers will be in great hands.”
The move significantly increases the Canadian presence of the franchise brands. Todd Leff, CEO of
Hand and Stone Franchise Corporation, the parent company of H&S Massage Spa Canada
Corporation said, “Through this strategic partnership, Hand & Stone will be able to offer stronger
Canadian franchisee support and buying power to both brands. Our training and support
infrastructure includes team members in Canada and the US who are available to assist in all aspects
of business, whether it be site selection and lease negotiation, ongoing operations, recruitment
support, hiring and on-site training. Plus, the franchise brand’s in-house marketing department will
provide results-based marketing strategies and materials equipping both brands to successfully reach
the customers in their marketplace.”
About Hand and Stone Franchise Corporation (Parent company of H&S Massage Spa Canada
Corporation):
Hand & Stone is a 500 -plus unit of massage and facial spa franchise system with a mission to bring
massage and facial services to the masses, offering convenient, affordable luxury. Launched in 2004,
Hand & Stone now has locations in 34 US states and Canada. The brand has been named No. 1 in the
spa category by Entrepreneur Magazine in both 2021 and 2020, ranked No. 8 on Forbes’ Best
Franchises to Buy list for 2019 in the high investment category and is the fastest-growing spa concept
in the US. For more information on Hand & Stone, visit www.handandstone.ca.

About Massage Experts Franchising Ltd.:
Founded in 2013, Massage Experts is a proudly Canadian franchising company with 24 clinic locations
and growing. Most recognizably, Massage Experts offer registered massage therapy with added
conveniences such as insurance direct billing, easy online bookings, and preferred rates for monthly
massage services. Their mission is to help Canadian communities to feel better, more often. They do
this by offering an expert massage therapy experience, within a welcoming atmosphere, at a peace of-mind price. Massage Experts’ locations are designed to be warmer than a typical health clinic, but
less formal than a spa. Massage Experts has many new locations under development and is seeking
additional franchisees throughout Canada. For more information, please visit www.massageexperts.ca.