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.
Jiffy Lube Trades To Monomoy Capital in $1.3B Deal
Another well-established franchise system is trading ownership. Jiffy Lube will likely benefit from being a stand-alone business, but it also has the stuff to be the start of a new multi-brand automotive franchise platform.
Franchise Business Review Acquired
Franchise Business Review has been acquired by IFPG, one of the leading broker platforms, which is backed by Levine Leichtman Capital Partners. LLCP is one of the most successful franchise investors. This transaction reminds us that M&A activity in franchising also rewards top suppliers who themselves attract interest from PE-backed platforms.
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?
Roark Explores Sales of Nothing Bundt Cakes
People think of Roark Capital as a "long hold" investor - which is a fair generalization given that they have held some of their franchise investments for decades. But they also selectively divest. The latest example: Nothing Bundt Cakes, which has seen changes under Roark and some unit level consolidation as well as continued expansion. It is a reminder that even if your brand is acquired by "long-hold" Roark, it may trade again across the PE Profit Ladder.
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?
Freddy's Sold For $700M to New Private Equity Owner
Freddy's Sold For $700M to New Private Equity Owner
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.
Popular Insights
As Seen In
PE Profit Ladder® Market Watch Newsletter
PRIVATE EQUITY’S IMPACT ON FRANCHISING
EMERGING BRANDS
TRENDS
BUILDING SMART
PROSPECTIVE FRANCHISEES
TURNAROUNDS & CASE STUDIES