Aarons 2012 Annual Report Download - page 25

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15
be on us. Although we are unable to predict the results of any regulatory initiatives, we do not believe that existing and
currently proposed regulations will have a material adverse impact on our sales and lease ownership or other operations.
In a number of states, we utilize a consumer lease form as an alternative to a typical lease purchase agreement. The
consumer lease differs from our state lease agreement in that it has an initial lease term in excess of four months.
Generally, state laws that govern the rent-to-own industry only apply to lease agreements with an initial term of four
months or less. The consumer lease is governed by federal and state laws and regulations other than the state lease
purchase laws. The federal regulations applicable to the consumer lease require certain disclosures similar to the rent-
to-own regulations, but are generally less restrictive as to pricing and other charges. We believe we are in material
compliance with all laws applicable to our consumer leasing program.
Our sales and lease ownership franchise program is subject to Federal Trade Commission (―FTC‖) regulation and
various state laws regulating the offer and sale of franchises. Several state laws also regulate substantive aspects of the
franchisor-franchisee relationship. The FTC requires us to furnish to prospective franchisees a franchise disclosure
document containing prescribed information. A number of states in which we might consider franchising also regulate
the sale of franchises and require registration of the franchise offering circular with state authorities. We believe we are
in material compliance with all applicable franchise laws in those states in which we do business and with similar laws
in Canada.
Employees
At December 31, 2012, Aaron’s had approximately 11,900 employees. None of our employees are covered by a
collective bargaining agreement and we believe that our relations with our employees are good.
Information on Segments and Geographic Areas
We currently only operate in the United States, and we have franchise operations in both the United States and Canada.
Information on our four reportable segments—Sales and Lease Ownership, Franchise, HomeSmart and
Manufacturing—is set forth in Note 12 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. See Item 8 of Part II.
Available Information
We make available free of charge on or through our Internet website our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports
on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to
Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically
file such material with, or furnish it to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (―SEC‖). Our Internet address is
www.investor.aarons.com.