Arrive on time, as this is an opportunity for every attendee to introduce themselves to the others in the room.

Every franchisor, multi-unit franchisee, and their advisors need to understand the reasons why franchise companies are highly sought after by private equity firms, multi-royalty companies, and other strategic buyers.

This session explores the latest trends in deal structures, and how they are shaping current valuations. Hear from leading industry experts about the factors that make franchisors and multi-unit franchisees attractive in today’s market, the types of buyers actively pursuing deals, and ideal scale to capitalize on opportunities.

Whether you're planning for growth, succession, or exit, this annual update offers practical insights to help you navigate the changing landscape and position your business for long-term value. Stay ahead of the curve and unlock the full potential of your franchise business with this essential session.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand the demand for franchise companies among private equity firms and other buyers.

2. Learn strategies to attract strategic investors for franchisors and multi-unit franchisees.

3. Explore methods to create a strong foundation to maximize value and potential for future sale.

There is no better way to learn than from those who have successfully navigated the journey before. Hear directly from industry veterans as they share their wisdom and insights from real-world experience in successfully completing a transformative deal. Our speakers will guide you through the process from start to finish of BarBurrito’s $100 million transaction with Diversified Royalty Corp., and will discuss the essential strategies and knowledge they and you need to consider and execute on this, a private equity or other transaction.

Learning Objectives

1. Learn from industry veterans' real-world experience in franchise transactions.

2. Identify essential strategies for navigating the landscape.

3. Evaluate insights shared from seasoned experts.

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.