February 06, 2012
Franchise News Watch

Your Franchise Mergers & Acquisition News Source

Franchise 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.

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Franchise Mergers & Acquisition News

AlphaGraphics, Inc. Purchased by an Affiliate of Blackstreet Capital

Business and marketing communications franchisor AlphaGraphics, Inc., formerly owned by the UK-based G A Pindar & Son Ltd., has been purchased by an affiliate of Maryland-based private equity fund Blackstreet Capital Partners II.

Partnership Results In Name Merger For Leading Franchise And Property Service Companies

The Franchise Company (TFC) of Toronto officially changed its name to FirstService Brands this month.

7-Eleven

7-Eleven, Inc. Completes Transaction With ExxonMobil

7-Eleven, Inc. announced today that it has completed the transaction with ExxonMobil to acquire retail interests in 51 North Texas sites. The transaction concluded Jan. 20; terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Established Hartford Area Agency is Now Weichert, Realtors(R) - The Zubretsky Group

Broker John Zubretsky, Jr., a high-profile Hartford area broker for 35 years, has announced his company’s affiliation with Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. (WREA).

Papa Murphy's Take 'N' Bake Pizza

Papa Murphy’s Pizza Expands Company Store Division with Purchase of 20 Franchised Locations

Papa Murphy’s International (PMI) announced today that its Company Stores Division, Papa Murphy’s Company Stores, Inc., has acquired 20 Papa Murphy’s Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza stores.

Volvo Rents Acquires First Locations in Puerto Rico

In 2011, Volvo Rents expanded its presence nationally, acquiring more than 50 companies in the United States, as well as internationally, as the brand acquired six new locations in Canada.

Fantastic Sams

Fantastic Sams Hair Salons, a Leading U.S. Salon Franchise Network, Announces Acquisition by DESSANGE International

FANTASTIC SAMS Hair Salons, the country's leading network of full service salons, announced today that DESSANGE International has acquired all of the outstanding shares of Fantastic Sams Holding Corp.

Volvo Rents California Growth Continues with Latest Acquisition

Volvo Rents announces the acquisition of SoCal Rental Equip Rent, a single location construction equipment rental company in Glendora, CA.

Acquisition of Buffalo's Cafe Restaurant Chain by Fog Cutter Capital Group Inc's Franchise Development Subsidiary

Fog Cutter Capital Group Inc's franchise development subsidiary has acquired Buffalo's Caf

Pet Supplies Plus Acquires Largest Franchisee

Pet Supplies Plus (“PSP”) announced today that it has completed the acquisition of its largest franchisee, consisting of twelve stores in Northeast Pennsylvania. PSP, a portfolio company of Irving Place Capital, is the third-largest pet...

Merrymeeting, Inc. Acquires Geeks On Call from On Call Holdings International

Merrymeeting, Inc. announced today an investment in Geeks On Call, a leading franchisor and provider of computer and network services.

Volvo Rents Midwest Growth Continues with Newest Acquisition

Volvo Rents announces the acquisition of Midwest Aerials and Equipment, Inc., a four-location construction equipment rental company with stores in St. Louis, Kansas City and Springfield, Mo. as well as one location in Bloomington, Ill.

Founder of Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar Sells 40 Locations to Affiliate of IHOP's Largest Franchisee; Will Serve as CEO of Acquiring Organization

DineEquity, Inc. (NYSE: DIN), parent company of Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar and IHOP Restaurants, today announced that existing Applebee's franchisee, Neighborhood Restaurant Partners, LLC, an affiliate of IHOP's largest franchisee, has purchased.

The Marcus Family invests in a passionate, entrepreneurial business with the acquitision of Verlo Mattress Factory Stores.

The Marcus Family, owner of Marcus Investments LLC, and also a controlling stakeholder in the Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS), today announced the acquisition of Fort Atkinson-based Verlo Mattress Factory Stores, the nation's only franchisee model in the..

Triarc and Wendy's Complete Merger Transaction

Triarc 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...

Carlson And Rezidor Establish The Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group

Carlson, a global hospitality and travel company, and The Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the fastest growing hotel companies in the world, today announced that they have established the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group.

Volvo Rents Opens First Kansas Locations Through Newest Acquisition

Volvo Rents announces the acquisition of Richardson Equipment Company, LLC (R-Quip Equipment Rentals), a two-location construction equipment rental company based in Kansas, with stores in Wichita and Pittsburg.

Phil Friedman Completes Acquisition Of The Salsarita's Fresh Cantina Quick Casual Mexican Restaurant Chain

Industry veteran Phil Friedman has acquired the Salsarita's Fresh Cantina quick casual Mexican restaurant chain. Salsarita's will be owned by Salsarita's Holdings, LLC, a company formed and controlled by Friedman, who serves as CEO. Larry Reinstein will j

Michigan Home Care Company Partners with National Private Non-Profit Social Service Organization

Home Care Assistance of Michigan, the leading provider of in-home care senior services throughout the southeastern region of the state, announced today that they were acquired by Lutheran Social Services of Michigan.

The Franchise Company Acquires Field Asset Services, Inc.

The Franchise Company (TFC) is proud to announce that it has expanded its property services portfolio with the acquisition of an 80% interest in Field Asset Services, Inc., one of North America's largest residential preservation services companies.

Tasti D-lite Acquires Planet Smoothie Franchise System

Tasti D-Lite, the lower-calorie frozen dessert chain catering to health conscious consumers has announced the acquisition of Planet Smoothie, LLC, a franchise system with more than 100 units in operation, mainly in Georgia and Florida.

Pump It Up Merges with BounceU: Former Competitors Become Single Largest Franchise Brand in Birthday Party Segment

Pump 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.

Realogy Subsidiary, Cartus, Acquires Primacy Relocation

Realogy 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...

Falconhead Capital Acquires Rita's Franchise Company, Nation's Largest Italian Ice Concept

Falconhead Capital, LLC, a private equity firm specializing in growing consumer-focused businesses, today announced the acquisition of a controlling stake in Rita's Water Ice Franchise Company, LLC, a leading regional frozen treat concept based in...

Harvest Partners Announces Acquisition of Driven Brands, Inc.

Harvest Partners, LP (“Harvest”), a New York-based private equity firm, announced today that it has completed the acquisition of Driven Brands, Inc. (“Driven” or the “Company”), in partnership with management, from...

Murphy Adams Restaurant Group Purchases Mama Fu's Asian House Brand in U.S. and Mexico

Mama Fu's Noodle House announces today that it has sold its Mama Fu's Asian House brand in the United States and Mexico for an undisclosed amount to Austin, Texas-based Murphy Adams Restaurant Group, currently the largest franchisee of Mama Fu's.

The Steak n Shake Company and Western Sizzlin Corporation Sign Merger Agreement

The 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.

Einstein Noah Restaurant Group Acquires Kettleman Bagel Company

Einstein Noah Restaurant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: BAGL), announced today the acquisition of Kettleman Bagel Company, a five-store bagel chain in Portland, Oregon.

IHOP Corp. Successfully Completes the Acquisition of Applebee's International, Inc.

IHOP Corp. (NYSE: IHP) today announced that it successfully completed the acquisition of Applebee's International, Inc. for $25.50 per share in cash, representing a total transaction value of approximately $2.1 billion. With more than 3,250 restaurants...

Shane's Rib Shack and Planet Smoothie Acquired by Management and Edmonds Capital, LLC

Edmonds 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...

Captain D’s Acquires 65-Unit Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Chain

Phil Greifeld, CEO & President, is no stranger to innovation. In fact, throughout the progressive leader’s career, he has been known for proactive brand moves that strengthen business portfolios.

Choice Hotels International Announces New Board Director John Tague

Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's largest lodging franchisors, today announced the appointment of John Tague, CEO for Greatwide Logistics Services of Dallas, to its Board of Directors.

Yum! Brands

China's Ministry of Commerce Approves Yum! Brands Proposal to Acquire China's Little Sheep Restaurants

Yum! Brands, Inc. announced that it has obtained written clearance today from China's Ministry of Commerce under the Anti-Monopoly Law of the People

Papa Bello Enterprises Acquires Control of Mamas Direct, Announces New CEO

Papa Bello Enterprises (Pink Sheets: PAPA) announced today that the company has acquired majority control of Mamas Direct.

Driven Brands Accelerates Growth with Maaco Purchase

Driven 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...

Swisher Hygiene Acquires Certain Assets of Waste and Chemical Companies

Swisher Hygiene Inc. ("Swisher Hygiene") (Nasdaq:SWSH) (TSX:SWI), a leading provider of essential hygiene and sanitation products and services, today announced it has acquired certain solid waste and recycling assets of FSR Transporting & Crane...

DineEquity, Inc. Announces Sale of 17 Applebee's Company-Operated Restaurants in the Mid-South Area to Apple Investors Group, LLC

DineEquity, Inc. (NYSE: DIN), parent company of Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar and IHOP Restaurants, today announced that it has entered into an asset purchase agreement with Apple Investors Group, LLC for the sale of 17 Applebee's company-operated..

Outdoor Living Brands Acquires Mosquito Squad(R) Business

Outdoor 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...

Prominent Utah Firm Joins Sotheby's International Realty(R) Network

Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC today announced that Lewis, Wolcott & Dornbush Real Estate in Utah has joined its luxury real estate network.

Triarc and Wendy's Shareholders Approve Merger

Triarc 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...

U.S. OXXO Care Cleaners(R) Eco-Friendly Dry Cleaning Franchise Absorbs Original Spanish Chain

Six years after its launch in the U.S., OXXO Care Cleaners® just completed the acquisition of the original Spanish chain of OXXO dry cleaners.

NexCen Brands, Inc. and the Camuto Group Announce the Acquisition of The Shoe Box, Inc. Trademarks and a Partnership Plan to Franchise Stores Worldwid

NexCen Brands, Inc. ("NexCen") (NASDAQ: NEXC) announced today that it has closed on the acquisition of the trademarks and other intellectual property of The Shoe Box, Inc. in partnership with the Camuto Group.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts to Acquire Stakein German-Based Design Hotels AG

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) announced today that it has signed an agreement to acquire 49.8% of the shares of Design Hotels AG from Arabella Hospitality SE, one of Starwood's longtime partners in Germany.

Dollar Thrifty Car Rental Franchise Affirms Recommendation Of Hertz Merger

Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc. ("Dollar Thrifty") (NYSE: DTG) today issued the following statement regarding the revised proposal made by Avis Budget Group ("Avis Budget") (NYSE: CAR) on September 23, 2010...

Donald K. Johnson Acquires Additional Common Shares of easyhome Ltd.

VYCO Ltd., a corporation of which Mr. Donald K. Johnson is President, and which is controlled by a family trust of which Mr. Johnson is a discretionary beneficiary, announced today that it has acquired 952,417 common shares (″Common Shares″)..

NexCen Brands Acquires The Great American Cookie Company® From Mrs. Fields Famous Brands

NexCen Brands, Inc. (Nasdaq: NEXC) ("NexCen") announced today that it has acquired the Great American Cookie Company ("Great American Cookies") from Mrs. Fields Famous Brands, LLC ("Mrs. Fields").

Caring Senior Service Northeast Dallas County Franchise Owners Acquire Collin County Territory

aring Senior Service, a national in-home care provider for seniors, has announced that it has awarded its Collin County, TX franchise territory to Parrish and Delia Potts.

Tim Hortons Inc. Public Company Merger and Reorganization Approved

Tim 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.

Villa Enterprises Acquires 6 Luciano Brickoven Pizzeria Stores

Villa 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...

RE/MAX Select Real Estate Announces Merger and Expansion

Despite another challenging year in the housing market, RE/MAX Select Real Estate, located in Maple Valley, WA recently announced plans for growth and expansion in 2012.


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Features & Special Reports

Creating a Cost-Effective Lead Generation Strategy

For many franchisors, the traditional advertising vehicles - portals, print advertising, PR, and broker networks - do not appear to be working as effectively as they were five years ago.

New Highlights from the 2012 AFDR

In the previous two issues of FUSR, we published (1) a high-level overview of the 2012 Annual Franchise Development Report (AFDR), followed by (2) a selection of highlights from the report.

Finding Your Optimal Buyer: Sellers Must Learn To Look Beyond Price

When sellers are contemplating a decision regarding the sale of their business, they overwhelmingly select the bidder with the highest price, only to find afterward that this might not have been the best decision for their circumstances.

The Four Steps to Lead Generation Success, Part 4: Wow 'Em!

This fourth installment builds on those ideas, showing how you can "wow" your candidates and the importance of how you present your concept to them.

The Winner's Column - February 2012

As savvy franchise companies continue to flourish in a volatile economy, FUSR continues to bring you good news each month, highlighting brands that are adding units, increasing comp store sales, striking deals with investors, innovating, and continuing to grow, whether domestically or overseas.

Jim Collins to Keynote 2012 Multi-Unit Franchising Conference

Multi-Unit Franchisee Magazine announced today that Jim Collins, business expert and best-selling author, will deliver the opening keynote address at the 2012 Multi-Unit Franchising Conference (MUFC).

Growing Up Franchising: Sam Covelli Develops Both His Brands And Employees

Sam Covelli says he grew up in the restaurant business working in his father's McDonald's. Under his father's leadership, Covelli Enterprises eventually grew to 26 locations, one of the largest McDonald's franchisees in the country.

Members Only: Ray Harrigill Builds A Successful Membership-Based Business Model

Ray Harrigill believes in diversification. His Sunray Companies has restaurants (Bumpers Drive-In), tanning salons (Palm Beach Tan), fitness centers (Koko FitClub), and hotel properties (Hampton Inn), to name a few. That's because of lessons he's learned along the way.

Creating Jobs: Zane Tankel Is Taking Matters Into His Own Hands

Zane Tankel is not waiting on any government job programs to help his business.

CMO Roundtable - Using Profiling to Retain More Customers

What are some fresh, innovative ways you are using profiling, targeting,<br /> and loyalty programs to acquire and retain more customers?

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