PE Profit Ladder Articles
Bain To Acquire Gong cha from TA Associates
Bain has been a consistent, although not frequent, investor in the franchise sector. I credit them with raising private equity's awareness about the attractiveness of franchise sector with their head-turning investments many years ago in Domino's, Burger King, & Dunkin' Brands.
Entrepreneurship Through Franchising Podcast with Ty McBride
If you're a prospective franchisee, you need to consider not just brands and financials, but how private equity might impact your investment.
As Private Equity Turns Its Attention to Franchise Suppliers, M&A Activity Picks Up
Franchising's resilient model makes suppliers active in franchising targets in their own right for private equity acquisition and the creation multi-service platforms.
Legacy Franchise Leaders and Breakout Stars Know Innovation Always Matters
The franchise model practically invites disruptors to enter and shake things up. How do other brands lose their mojo? And with so many incentives to get things right, can PE backers instead get in the way?
Important SBA Lending Update From FRANdata
If you're in franchise management, a broker/FSO, a franchise investor underwriting growth, or a prospective franchisee, read this update from #FRANdata on SBA lending. And if you're not already a FRANdata Registry member, there is an important SBA deadline looming. If you are a brand planning to enter a sale process in the next couple of years, or a banker/advisor advising those brands - be prepared for more scrutiny on the growth story related to financing that deal funnel. Why pay for a sold-not-open funnel that's unlikely to materialize? "Embedded value" or "phantom funnel?" Before you invest, ask FRANdata what lenders are saying about the brand you're considering underwriting.
Nothing Bundt Cakes Trades to KKR for >$2B
Roark had reportedly been exploring a sale of NBC since Oct 2025. The next step up the PE Profit Ladder for this venerable brand originally launched by two bakers.
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.
Gong Cha is for sale: Asking price $2B
After acquiring the brand back in 2019, TA Associates is said to be weighing a sale of this fast expanding brand.
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.
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PRIVATE EQUITY’S IMPACT ON FRANCHISING
EMERGING BRANDS
TRENDS
BUILDING SMART
PROSPECTIVE FRANCHISEES
TURNAROUNDS & CASE STUDIES