When franchise brands sell to non-franchise strategics they often tumble back out (in a fairly predictable way) if/when the strategic's priorities change, especially if franchising is outside their core business model. Camp Bow Wow was acquired by pet hospital chain VCA back July 2014 when CBW had 152 locations...today CBW has around 230. Coming back into the franchise family and especially into a multi-brand platform will likely be very positive for this great brand! Dogtopia in particular likely benefitted from a 10 year run where CBW had 52% unit expansion under VCA while Dogtopia enjoyed 800% unit expansion during the same period. Does Dogtopia have a history of private equity support? You bet. At both the brand and multi-unit owner level. #bigmoneyinfranchising #privateequity #franchising
Big Money in Franchising: Scaling Your Enterprise in the Era of Private Equity achieved the distinction of being the #1 New Release hardcover title in the Business Franchise category on Amazon, while still in pre-order. The book will be available March 12, 2024. #bigmoneyinfranchising #franchising #privateequity #peprofitladder
In the franchise sector we have much to be optimistic about heading into 2024. There are also clear opportunities: franchise sales & private equity's impact on franchising.
I expect to see more carveouts in 2024 as private equity firms selectively prune portfolios and look to return at least some capital to investors. Recent example - Empower Brands (backed by MidOcean Partners) sold Intelligent Office (first acquired in 2019) to United Franchise Group. #peprofitladder #mergersandacquisitions #privateequity
Perfect market timing is difficult to pull off, but excellent preparation and building a valuable business in the first place is much more under your control. Private equity firms are actively seeking high-quality franchise businesses, so it's crucial to have a solid plan in place. Avoid vague improvement ideas and instead, document your strategy, assign accountability, and execute it flawlessly.
The PE Profit Ladder will be highly visible this year! We'll see solid and largely opportunistic exits this year as PE firms seek to monetize holdings that were not ready to trade in the 2H2020-1H2022 wave. Others will make strategic carveouts from their current platform holdings, to return some capital to investors. 2023 M&A was slower as interest rates increased of course, but with better signals now there will be more movement in 2024. There is still $2.59 trillion of dry powder (per S&P Global) and a $2.8 trillion looming exit pileup (per Bain & Co.) But I predict significant activity this year will be around getting assets ready (making them as pretty as possible) for a bigger M&A push in early 2025. #PEprofitladder #privateequity #mergersacquisitionsdivestitures #wheretospendallthatdrypower
Innovative brands are embracing an alternative website strategy: multiple web domains. A hybrid digital approach empowered by AI tools that balance brand control with localized franchisee presence can allow brands to connect with customers in a more meaningful way, drive engagement, and unlock new growth...while also improving visibility about your franchise business opportunity.
All Things Considered Podcast - Private Equity's Impact on Franchising
Mastermind Minutes Interview - PE's Impact on Franchising
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PRIVATE EQUITY’S IMPACT ON FRANCHISING
EMERGING BRANDS
TRENDS
BUILDING SMART
PROSPECTIVE FRANCHISEES
TURNAROUNDS & CASE STUDIES