Over the last decade or so, private equity firms and other institutional buyers have turned their focus not only to franchisors, but increasingly to multi-unit—and often multi-brand—franchisees. While this trend has been firmly established in the U.S., it’s now making greater inroads in the Canadian market. What does this shift mean for franchise systems, operators, and growth strategies north of the border?

This panel will explore the drivers behind this model, its benefits and limitations, and the factors that make franchisee groups appealing to investors. You’ll hear directly from brands that support multi-unit expansion and gain insights into how private equity views these operators. Whether you're a franchisor, multi-unit franchisee, or advisor, this session offers a timely look at an evolving ownership structure that’s reshaping the franchise landscape.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand the growing trend of private equity investment in multi-unit and multi-brand franchisees, particularly in the Canadian context.

2. Learn what makes multi-unit operators attractive to investors and how this changes the traditional franchisor–franchisee dynamic.

3. Explore how brands are supporting the multi-unit model and the implications for system growth, performance, and operational alignment.