PE Profit Ladder Articles
Mega 99 List for 2026
There are 240,000+ franchisees in the US. Approximately 40,000 of them own multiple units. In most cases, 2-5 units. But it is also true that some franchisee entrepreneurs have used the franchise model to build huge platforms, often with multiple brands. These platforms may be publicly traded or private equity-backed. Franchise Update Media tracks the largest operators in their annual "Mega 99" list. Check out the list here.
Alicia Miller Named Top 100 Franchise Influencer
Based on her pursuit of excellence and industry expertise, Alicia Miller has secured a place among the brightest leaders in the franchise sector. Congratulations Alicia Miller, Managing Director of Emergent Growth Advisors on being named a SeoSamba Top 100 Global Franchise Influencer!
Can Brands Create Empire Builders? Or Do They Have To Recruit An X Factor?
How much franchise unit success is the operator versus the brand, system, and training?
Q3 Dealmaking Volume Picks Up
As discussed this week at Franchise Springboard, we are seeing the same Q3 dealmaking uptick in the franchise sector. Expectations are for a busy rest of this year for M&A teams. For founders looking to get something done in 2026, don't exit this year without a plan! What pre-work needs to get done now? What are key initiatives to achieve your objectives in 2026? What documentation needs to be gathered and prepared as part of your year-end wrap up? Get your advisors involved to help you get organized and build the right plan. Reach out if you need assistance and/or referrals.
Big Question: Should I Sell Multi-Pack Deals to Increase Franchise Value?
Does selling multiple territories at a time lead to increased enterprise value? How can brands compete for attention in broker networks when other brands are pushing multi-unit agreements? What is private equity's impact?
How to Handle Today's Common Franchise Development Challenges
Common challenges seen in franchise development today, and how to turn growth back on.
Proliferation of Franchise Incubator Hybrid Investor-Operators
Incubators & multi-brand platforms play an increasingly critical role in franchising to lift emerging brands. In this case... even launching brands into franchising, such as this latest example with Gregorys Coffee & Craveworthy Brands. For ambitious sponsor-operator-hybrid firms the field remains wide open, since there are far more sub-scale franchise brands than there are investors willing and able to assist. This takes grit, proven support systems, and strong sector experience as is the case here with Craveworthy. Several new incubators have been recently announced in fitness, home services, and other sectors. We will continue to see more incubator-style operating groups in franchising attempting to acquire and lift young brands. Good news for their brand partners, but yet another headwind facing unaffiliated emerging brands.
Shipley Do-Nuts Trades Between PE Firms
Beginning of the next growth phase for this beloved Texas brand! A successful exit of Shipley Do-Nuts by Peak Rock Capital and the latest to join the experienced franchise investing team at Levine Leichtman Capital Partners, LLC.
Search Fund Acquisition Entrepreneurs & Franchising
Disillusioned by corporate life, more people see acquisition entrepreneurship as a better path - so they set out to find a business to buy. There are MANY such opportunities within franchising, including both smaller franchisors that need help, and multi-unit franchised units that can be the beginning of a consolidation play. If well established and proven, franchise systems can provide the guidance and support for these first-time business owners, though they are taking on an existing business. If those acquisitions are well run, there are larger upstream buyers when it's time to sell.
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PRIVATE EQUITY’S IMPACT ON FRANCHISING
EMERGING BRANDS
TRENDS
BUILDING SMART
PROSPECTIVE FRANCHISEES
TURNAROUNDS & CASE STUDIES