February 09, 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

7-Eleven

7-Eleven Completes Acquisition of 55 Sam's Mart Stores

7-Eleven, Inc. today announced that it has commenced closing on the acquisition of 55 Sam's Mart stores from Sam's Mart LLC. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Rand Realty Expands into Northern New Jersey

Today the family-owned and operated brokerage, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Rand Realty, announced its expansion into northern New Jersey with the acquisition of Preakness Realty.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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..

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

HomeVestors(R) Announces Purchase of 50,000th House in Oklahoma City

HomeVestors of America, the professional homebuying franchise network that is the number one buyer of houses in the United States, has announced the purchase of their 50,000th house.

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.

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″)..

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.

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...

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.

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.

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

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.

Merger Creates State's Third-Largest Residential Real Estate Brokerage

Two of the most successful Coldwell Banker franchises in North Carolina have joined forces, creating the state's third-largest residential real estate brokerage company.

Chester Willcox & Saxbe to Merge with Taft

The regional law firm Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP announced today that it will strengthen its client service capacities in Columbus by merging with Chester Willcox & Saxbe, LLP at the start of the year. The firms will operate under the Taft name.

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

Landry's Signs Agreement To Acquire Mccormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants At $8.75 Per Share

Tilman J. Fertitta announced today that Landry's, Inc. has signed an Agreement to acquire 100% of McCormick & Schmick

Red Lion Hotels Acquires 10 Previously Leased Hotels

Red Lion Hotels Corporation (NYSE: RLH) announced today that as part of a global agreement among Red Lion, iStar Financial Inc. and Hilton Hotels, Red Lion paid $37 million to purchase 10 hotels formerly leased from a subsidiary of iStar.

'Digging' Its Way Into Wichita Falls and Dallas

Volvo Rents announces the acquisition of SCS Equipment, Inc., a two location equipment rental company based in Texas, with stores in Wichita Falls and Dallas.

U-Swirl Expands Franchise Footprint to Salt Lake City

U-Swirl, Inc. (OTCQB: SWRL), parent to U-SWIRL International, Inc., the owner and franchisor of U-SWIRL Frozen Yogurt(R) cafes, today announced that it has acquired three franchised locations in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Faegre & Benson and Baker & Daniels To Become Faegre Baker Daniels

Faegre & Benson LLP and Baker & Daniels LLP today announced the combination of their law firms following a vote by partners in both organizations.

Seasoned Metro Chicago Real Estate Pros Cindy and Tony Banks Purchase RE/MAX Cornerstone in West Chicago

Cindy and Tony Banks are optimistic about the metro Chicago real estate market. It's why the husband and wife team recently purchased RE/MAX Cornerstone, a busy brokerage located at 480 E. Roosevelt Road in West Chicago, 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.

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..

Papa Bello Enterprises Acquires Control of Limited Edition Ink

Papa Bello Enterprises (Pink Sheets: PAPA) announced today that the company has acquired control of Limited Edition Ink (LEINK).

Aaron's, Inc. Invests in U.K. Company

Aaron's, Inc. (NYSE: AAN), the nation's leader in the sales and lease ownership and specialty retailing of residential furniture, consumer electronics, home appliances and accessories, today announced that it has reached an agreement to purchase 11.5% of.

Inventure Foods Adds Nathan's Famous to Its Growing Line Up of Licensed Brands

Leading food manufacturer, Inventure Foods, has partnered with legendary Nathans Famous, Inc. (NASDAQ: NATH) to license the popular Nathans restaurant brand name for a new line of snacks that will be available at grocery, vending and convenience store...

Yum! Brands

Yum! Brands Announces Definitive Agreements to Sell Long John Silver's and A&W All-American Restaurants to Key Franchisee Leaders

Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM) today announced it has signed definitive agreements to sell Long John Silvers, Inc. and A&W Restaurants, Inc. to two separate buyers led by key franchisee leaders.

The Alternative Board Selected for Prestigious Partnership with Startup America

The Alternative Board(R) (TAB), an exclusive membership based organization that provides advisory boards and coaching services to business owners, announced today that the company has been selected as one of four partners for Startup America's Mentorship.

Family Financial Centers

Family Financial Centers and Western Union Announce New Multi-Year Agreement

Family Financial Centers, LLC, a franchise company of financial services including check cashing, money orders, wire transfer, tax preparation services and short term consumer loans, and The Western Union Company, a leader in global payments, announced...

GNC Holdings, Inc. to Acquire LuckyVitamin.com

GNC Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: GNC), a leading global specialty retailer of nutritional products, today announced it has agreed to acquire LuckyVitamin.com, a leading online value-added retailer of a wide range of nationally branded nutritional supplements wit

FranchisESource Brands International Announces Acquisition of DIGIKIDS(R)

FranchisESource Brands International (FSBI) announced today that it has acquired DIGIKIDS, the onsite child ID company offering the most advanced and affordable child safety ID available today.

Golden Gate Capital Completes Acquisition of California Pizza Kitchen, Inc.

California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. (NASDAQ: CPKI) (the "Company" or "CPK") and Golden Gate Capital today announced the successful completion of the previously announced acquisition of the Company by an affiliate of Golden Gate Capital for $18.50 per share in


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Features & Special Reports

"The Proven Match" for Finding Qualified Franchisees Debuts on Franchising.com Ad Portal

Proven Match has teamed up with Franchise Update Media Group (FUMG) to give results-driven franchisors a cost-saving profiling service that delivers pre-qualified candidates.

Restaurateur Extraordinaire: Sam Covelli Does It With More Than 200 Locations

Sam Covelli says he grew up in the restaurant business working in his father's McDonald's.

Running For Charity: Colortyme Franchisee Raises Money And Awareness For Children's Hospital

This April will mark the third year in a row that Al Coelho has run the 26-mile Boston Marathon. That's a significant achievement. But it's only a part of what Coelho will do that day.

Turning Up The Heat: Learning How To Handle Irate Customers And Look Like A Hero

Irate customers. No matter how good you are at what you do, what business you are in, or where it is located, you will at some point find yourself facing an irate customer.

Sustaining Business: Zane Tankel On Growing During Tough Times

As the economy continues to struggle through a slow recovery, business people everywhere are looking for any tools or techniques that will help them keep their businesses alive and thriving.

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.

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