September 05, 2010
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Your Franchise Mergers & Acquisition News SourceFranchise News Watch brings you the latest in franchising mergers & acquisition news from around the web. As a news aggregator for the franchise industry, Franchise News Watch streams the latest ground breaking franchise articles, features, guides, blogs, news and more directly to your desktop.  Franchise Mergers & Acquisition NewsYAS Fitness Founder Kimberly Fowler Buys YAS Silver Lake with Big Plans for Studio and CommunityKimberly Fowler, former professional triathlete, cancer survivor and founder/owner of YAS Fitness Centers, acquired the franchise's YAS Silver Lake location on February 1st, determined to see the unique fitness studio meets her high standards while... Midas Acquires 22 Northern California Midas Shops from FranchiseeMidas, Inc. (NYSE: MDS) has acquired 22 Midas automotive service shops in Northern California from franchisee Maurice I. Glad. The transition was completed this weekend, and the shops opened today under Midas' management. There was no interruption in... Realogy Subsidiary, Cartus, Acquires Primacy RelocationRealogy Corporation, a leading global provider of real estate and relocation services, today announced that its relocation services subsidiary, Cartus Corporation, has acquired Primacy Relocation, a prominent relocation and global assignment management... The Steak n Shake Company and Western Sizzlin Corporation Sign Merger AgreementThe Steak n Shake Company ("SNS") (NYSE: SNS), and Western Sizzlin Corporation ("Western") (Nasdaq: WEST), today jointly announced that they had executed an agreement for a wholly-owned subsidiary of Steak n Shake to merge with and into Western. Papa Bello Enterprises to Acquire Pastore's of RosedalePapa Bello Enterprises (Pink Sheets: PAPA) announced today that the company has signed a letter of intent to acquire Pastore's of Rosedale, Inc., a Baltimore based restaurant, deli, and bakery chain. Established in 1999, Pastore's now has two locations... Papa Bello Enterprises Signs Letter of Intent to Acquire the Kebab CafePapa Bello Enterprises, Inc. (Pink Sheets: PAPA) is pleased to announce that the company has signed a letter of intent to acquire the Kebab Cafe; a Southern California based restaurant concept specializing in Middle Eastern style cuisine with a... Jiffy Lube Franchise Group Announces Acquisition of 23 Service Centers in ColoradoJiffy Lube(R) franchisee Griffin Fast Lube today announced the acquisition of 23 Jiffy Lube service centers in Colorado, including locations in the Denver and Colorado Springs markets. In addition to the 27 Jiffy Lube service centers the company owns... Tim Hortons Inc. Public Company Merger and Reorganization ApprovedTim Hortons Inc. (NYSE: THI, TSX: THI) announced voting results on a proposed merger transaction (the "merger") to reorganize the Company as a Canadian public company, before its stockholders at the Special Meeting of Stockholders held earlier today. FSBI Acquires 4th Business Coaching Brand Bringing 'All Things Entrepreneurial' to Business Owners of all SizesAlready dominating the business coaching market, FranchisEsource Brands International, FSBI, is adding to its in-demand, Business Coaching suite of strategies yet another set of services in support of the challenges entrepreneurs face on a day-to-day... Outdoor Living Brands Acquires Mosquito Squad(R) BusinessOutdoor Living Brands, the preeminent leader in branded franchise offerings in the outdoor living category, has added Mosquito Squad(R) to its portfolio of respected brands. The acquisition extends the company's range of franchise offerings dedicated... Shane's Rib Shack and Planet Smoothie Acquired by Management and Edmonds Capital, LLCEdmonds Capital, LLC announces today that it is teaming with the management teams of Shane's Rib Shack, a national rib shack and barbecue concept founded by Shane Thompson in 2002, and Planet Smoothie, a national smoothie concept founded by Martin... Kidville, Inc. Acquires JW TumblesKidville, Inc. (KVIL.OB), which operates upscale facilities catering to newborns through five year olds and their parents, has acquired the assets of JW TUMBLES, an international operator of children's gyms, via a wholly owned subsidiary. The combined... Villa Enterprises Acquires 6 Luciano Brickoven Pizzeria StoresVilla Enterprises Management, one of the nation's fastest growing multi-concept restaurant franchisors, today announced it has acquired 6 Luciano Brickoven Pizzeria locations from the Luciano Group. Villa Enterprises will convert these stores to its... Driven Brands Accelerates Growth with Maaco PurchaseDriven Brands, Inc., the parent of Meineke Car Care Centers, Econo Lube N' Tune, AutoQual, Aero Colours, Drive N Style, and Tortal.net, announced today the acquisition of Pennsylvania-based Maaco Franchising, Inc., the market leader in franchised auto... IHG Signs Multi-Brand, Multi-Location Hotel Deal with Shimao GroupExtending its leadership position in China, IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) signed a deal with Shimao Group, to open six new hotels under three brands in four cities by 2013. Group RCI Signs Whiterocks Resort in Cyprus as First European Affiliate to its Rental and Exchange ProgramGroup RCI, a global leader in leisure real estate and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies (NYSE: WYN), today announced that it signed its first European affiliate to its unique Rental and Exchange (R&E) Program – a pioneering produc BHRC.co.uk Welcomes InterContinental Hotels OnboardBHRC has announced a collaboration with InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) on the BHRC London Hotel reservation site (http://www.bhrc.co.uk) with immediate effect. IHG hotels are now available for online booking and instant confirmation on BHRC's... Clockwork Home Services Expands Its Market Share in the Oklahoma City Area with New AcquisitionClockwork Home Services, Inc. (Clockwork), one of North America's fastest-growing operators of home services franchises, today announced that it has acquired Hardesty & Crick, LLC, effective October 1, 2008. This acquisition expands the reach of... Triarc and Wendy's Complete Merger TransactionTriarc Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRY; TRY.B), the parent company of Arby's Restaurant Group, Inc., which is the franchisor of the Arby's(R) restaurant system, and Wendy's International, Inc. (NYSE: WEN), announced today that they have completed their... Triarc and Wendy's Shareholders Approve MergerTriarc Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRY; TRY.B), the parent company of Arby's Restaurant Group, Inc. which is the franchisor of the Arby's(R) restaurant system, and Wendy's International, Inc. (NYSE: WEN), announced today that their respective shareholders... Sopra Capital Acquires HouseMaster(R) Home InspectionsSopra Capital announced today its acquisition of HouseMaster, the oldest home inspection organization in the United States and Canada.
Whitbread PLC to acquire 21 Express by Holiday Inn hotels from Mitchells & Butlers plc in exchange for 44 Whitbread Pub RestaurantsWhitbread PLC ("Whitbread") today announces that it has agreed to acquire 21 hotels (1245 rooms), currently operating as Express by Holiday Inn hotels from Mitchells & Butlers plc ("MAB"), in exchange for 44 Whitbread pub restaurants. Wyndham Worldwide Completes Purchase of U.S. Franchise SystemsWyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: WYN) today announced it has completed the acquisition of U.S. Franchise Systems, Inc. and its Microtel Inns & Suites(R) and Hawthorn Suites(R) hotel brands from a subsidiary of Global Hyatt Corporation for a... Burger King Corp. Acquires Restaurants in Iowa and NebraskaBurger King Corp. (NYSE:BKC) announced today the acquisition of 72 BURGER KING(R) restaurants in Iowa and Nebraska from franchisee Simmonds Restaurant Management. Rose Hall Resort & Spa Joins Hilton Hotels & ResortsFollowing an extensive $40 million renovation, the Rose Hall Resort & Spa, A Hilton Resort, emerges today as the newest member of the Hilton Hotels & Resorts portfolio. NexCen Brands Acquires Bill Blass Couture BusinessNexCen Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: NEXC), today announced that through its wholly-owned subsidiary NexCen Fixed Asset Company, LLC, it has completed a purchase agreement with... Pump It Up Merges with BounceU: Former Competitors Become Single Largest Franchise Brand in Birthday Party SegmentPump It Up, the nation's largest franchise of interactive, indoor inflatable playgrounds for private parties, announced today that it has merged with Phoenix-based BounceU, its only direct national competitor. Blockbuster Withdraws Proposal to Acquire Circuit CityBlockbuster Inc. (NYSE: BBI)(NYSE: BBI.B) announced today that it has decided to withdraw its proposal to acquire Circuit City. Northern California Real Estate Merger Expands Sotheby's International Realty(R) NetworkSotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC today announced that Montclair Better Homes Realty in Oakland, Calif., has merged with People & Properties Sotheby's International Realty, Calif., becoming the newest member of its luxury real estate netwo Clockwork Home Services Expands Its Market Share in the Denver Area with AcquisitionClockwork Home Services, Inc. (Clockwork), one of North America's fastest-growing operators of home services franchises, today announced that it has acquired Albracht/K&D Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc., effective June 1, 2008. HomeVestors of America Acquired by Franchise Brands, LLCHomeVestors(R) of America, Inc., the "We Buy Ugly Houses"(R) company, announced today that Milford, CT-based Franchise Brands, LLC, has acquired majority ownership of the company. Arizona Merger Creates Largest Sotheby's International Realty(R) Network MemberSotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC today announced that Equitable Sotheby's International Realty in Scottsdale, Ariz., has merged with Arizona's legendary real estate icon, Russ Lyon Realty Company in Scottsdale, Ariz., creating the brand's... 1-800-Radiator, the Nation's Leading Auto-Parts Distribution Franchise, Announces Acquisition of B&B Radiator in Texas1-800-Radiator, an auto-parts distribution franchise and the largest independent auto parts distributor in the nation, today announced its purchase of B&B Radiator, a family-owned and operated automotive cooling parts business... Wyndham Worldwide to Acquire Microtel and Hawthorn Suites BrandsWyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: WYN) today announced it will acquire US Franchise Systems Inc. and its Microtel Inns & Suites and Hawthorn Suites hotel brands, together totaling more than 29,000 rooms, from a subsidiary of Global Hyatt Corporatio Europcar International purchases its Asia Pacific master franchiseEuropcar Asia Pacific, one of the country's leading car rental companies, has been purchased by its parent company Europcar International for an undisclosed amount. Spherion Merges Assessment Business into Recruitment Process Outsourcing DivisionSpherion Corporation (NYSE: SFN) today announced the expansion of its recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) operations by merging its assessment business with the company's RPO services division. Red Lion Hotels Completes Denver Hotel AcquisitionRed Lion Hotels Corporation (NYSE: RLH) today announced that it has completed its acquisition of the 478-room Radisson Hotel Denver Southeast for $25.3 million. The hotel has been re-named the Red Lion Hotel Denver Southeast. Clockwork Home Services Expands Its Market Share in Indiana and Minnesota with New AcquisitionsClockwork Home Services, Inc. (Clockwork), one of North America's fastest-growing operators of home services franchises, today announced it has acquired Heating and Plumbing Consultants, Inc., based in Webster, Minnesota, effective March 1, 2008...
Blockbuster Comments on the Due Diligence Agreement Reached With Circuit CityBlockbuster Inc. (NYSE: BBI) issued the following statement today in response to the announcement by Circuit City Stores, Inc. (NYSE: CC) that it has agreed to allow Blockbuster to conduct due diligence in preparation for a possible bid for the company. Red Lion Hotels to Acquire 478-Room Hotel in Denver, ColoradoRed Lion Hotels Corporation (NYSE: RLH) today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire the fee simple interest in the 478-room Radisson Hotel Denver Southeast for $25.3 million. Triarc And Wendy's Sign Definitive Merger AgreementTriarc Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRY, TRY.B, "Triarc"), the franchisor of the Arby's restaurant system ("Arby's"), and Wendy's International, Inc. (NYSE: WEN, "Wendy's") announced today they have signed a definitive merger agreement... Blockbuster Proposes Combination With Circuit CityBlockbuster Inc. (NYSE: BBI) today announced that it has offered to acquire Circuit City Stores, Inc. (NYSE: CC) for at least $6.00 per share in cash, subject to due diligence. Prominent Utah Firm Joins Sotheby's International Realty(R) NetworkSotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC today announced that Lewis, Wolcott & Dornbush Real Estate in Utah has joined its luxury real estate network. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Acquires Preferred Properties Inc. in ConnecticutColdwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Connecticut and Westchester County, N.Y. today announced that it has acquired the assets of family-owned Preferred Properties Inc. in Connecticut. U.S. OXXO Care Cleaners(R) Eco-Friendly Dry Cleaning Franchise Absorbs Original Spanish ChainSix years after its launch in the U.S., OXXO Care Cleaners® just completed the acquisition of the original Spanish chain of OXXO dry cleaners. Card Connection Becomes Part of UK Greetings LtdLeading greeting card publisher and franchisor, Card Connection, has announced it has become part of UK Greetings Limited as of 26 March 2008. Midas Acquires Franchisor of 181 SpeeDee Auto Service CentersMidas, Inc. (NYSE:MDS) has acquired the assets of G.C. & K.B. Investments, Inc., and its affiliated entities that franchise or sub-franchise 181 SpeeDee quick-lube and automotive maintenance shops in the United States and Mexico. JPMorgan Chase To Acquire Bear StearnsJPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) announced it is acquiring The Bear Stearns Companies Inc. (NYSE: BSC). The Boards of Directors of both companies have unanimously approved the transaction. |
Features & Special ReportsFranchising With Family Members Can Be Fraught With Danger Or Filled With SuccessIt can be difficult enough to get a franchise up and running on your own, or with other operational and investing partners, but it can be downright arduous if family members are involved in the deal. But that's the route some franchisees take and when done properly this management model can provide years of personal and professional harmony. But there are some secrets to making it work. Go in unprepared and you could break up a business and a family. The Winner's ColumnAs savvy franchise companies continue to flourish in this challenging economy, FUSR will continue to bring you good news each month, highlighting brands that are adding units, increasing comp store sales, striking deals with investors, and continuing to grow despite the economy - maybe even because of it. And, as the U.S. struggles through its "jobless recovery," growth-oriented franchisors continue to look overseas for expansion opportunities. Sales Intelligence for Superior Performance, Part 2Aggressive growth companies measure the performance of their sales personnel just as they do their advertising. With high recruitment expenses you can't afford mediocre selling performance, which costs dearly in lost franchise deals. A policyholder survey by Prudential Insurance revealed that the greatest influencing factor in the buying process is the sales person. Turning Around Struggling FranchiseesTwo years of tight credit and reduced consumer spending have left many franchisees reeling and put a serious crimp in franchisors' royalty streams. Workout professionals and bankruptcy attorneys experienced in franchising discuss what franchisors can do to help turn around distressed units - without spending scarce funds or getting themselves into legal hot water. New Gift Card Regulations Kicked in August 22ndLast year when President Obama signed the Credit Card Act of 2009 (the Act") into law, the nation's attention largely focused on those provisions of the law that aim to change the way credit card companies do business with consumers. However, since the Act imposes requirements on gift card issuers, it also changed the way many retailers and franchise companies will do business with consumers. Strong Cultures Sell More Franchises!Every franchise organization has a culture, the same way every person has a personality. If your franchise brand is serious about growth and development, ask yourself these two questions: 1) Does our franchise system have a strong, positive culture?; and 2) Is it a culture that promotes selling franchises? Special Operations: Franchising in a Strange LandOpening franchise units in nontraditional locations has been the domain of specialists--but not anymore. With the economy still slumping, lending still tight, and suburban expansion at a standstill, many multi-unit franchisees are exploring the viability of sites such as airports, hotels, colleges, senior centers, highway rest stops, hospitals, and military bases. Rolling with the Punches: Franchisors Continue Adapting to ChangeThe rules and methods for franchise sales are changing daily with the general public's increasing awareness of the economy, deficits, lending, the housing market, and more. As some of us "graybeards" can remember, this isn't the first time the rules have changed--and it won't be the last. Change on the HorizonJust like any business, the franchising business is one that I have seen evolve tremendously over the past 30 years. While many of the cornerstones and crucial elements - product, simplicity, control, and support - remain the same, so much is changing. Hiring Entrepreneurs: A Case Study of Hiring the Spirit of SuccessAs we continue to mine Dave Melton's book, <i>Hire the American Dream,</i> I thought it would be interesting to highlight a case study that demonstrates just how successful smart hiring can be. Here Melton describes his experience hiring an immigrant.
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