In business since 1924, Ace Hardware is the largest home improvement franchise company in the world, with over 4,850 stores operating in over 60 countries. The Ace brand ranks among the top 100 most recognized brands in the world and is known as the place with the helpful hardware people. With the continued vision to be the best, most helpful hardware stores on the planet, Ace Hardware and its retail associates remain dedicated to the core values of service, convenience and quality for its customers. In 1990, Ace created a separate division known as Ace International, to manage the growing demand for its brand and products outside the USA. While Ace Hardware already had a stake in international markets beginning in 1968, this added focus and infrastructure drove continuous international development of the Ace brand for the next 20 years. In 2006, Ace International became the first company in the home improvement industry to open a global distribution warehouse in Shanghai. In 2011, Ace re-launched its international business creating Ace Hardware International Holdings, LTD, a subsidiary of Ace Hardware Corp. This renewed emphasis on global sourcing and regional distribution led to the addition of two regional distribution centers in Dubai and Panama City along with creating a world class supply network also supported by 15 retail support centers and 2 freight-forwarding operations in the US. Ace Hardware’s history continues to be written today on a global scale as Ace International Holdings Ltd. Over the past two years, Ace International has surpassed 650 stores located outside the USA and signed new License Agreements in Afghanistan, Bahrain, Canada, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Northern Mexico, Panama, Paraguay and Puerto Rico. With a commitment to service, excellence, and industry leading growth, Ace remains focused on its mission to be the best provider of products, services and operating methods for convenience hardware retailers around the globe.