Transactions involving franchised business opportunities come in two forms. The first set of transactions involves the purchase of the rights to employ or develop a territory for a franchised business model in a specific geographic territory directly from the franchisor or in a transaction facilitated by a franchise broker. In this type of transaction, an individual is purchasing the rights to introduce a new business model to a geographic area. If the business model is sound and the entrepreneur purchasing the franchised business opportunity has strong business acumen and sufficient capital to support the business from start-up to maturity there is a strong probability that the business model and the entrepreneur will be successful. This is especially true for entrepreneurs that bring a new business concept to an area that is received enthusiastically by the public. In the Pacific Northwest in the last fifty years, this success story has occurred numerous times with many diverse business concepts. IBA up until 2018 elected not to participate in this type of transaction given the knowledge that business models often struggle during their first three to five years of existence and frequently require the investment of significant time, energy, and resources by entrepreneurs to reach the velocity necessary to be profitable businesses that offer ownership an appropriate return on investment. Historically, if a party was interested in this type of business opportunity and contacted IBA, we would introduce them to one of the quality franchise opportunity brokers in our referral network or encourage them to reach out directly to the franchisors they find most attractive. In 2018, IBA became a member of the Franchise Brokers Association (https://www.franchiseba.com/) and now has a dedicated individual, Curt Maier, helping these parties on a selective basis. If you are interested in buying a new franchise, Mr. Maier can be reached at (425) 454-3052 or curt@ibainc.com to learn about the IBA & FBA process to buying a franchise.
Buying a Franchise
The second set of transactions involving a franchise is for the sale of an established operating company employing a franchised business concept. IBA is regionally recognized as one of the premier business brokerage firms in the Pacific Northwest to represent entrepreneurs in the sale of their established, profitable franchises. It is our professional opinion that this set of businesses offer business buyers excellent opportunities to own & manage businesses, especially as first time entrepreneurs. The advantages of buying an established franchised business include a track record for revenue & profitability, a location & business model recognized in the community, an experienced staff of employees, and a franchisor that has a vested interest in the continued success of the business that provides knowledge, marketing, and researched suggestions for enhancement of the business. All of these factors contribute to creating an environment that has a probability of helping to facilitate future success for a business buyer post acquisition. It is our goal in every transaction we facilitate, to sell a business at a “fair” price and provide a buyer with an entrepreneurial opportunity that generates an appropriate return on investment for the industry and risk. In transactions involving franchises, IBA works collaboratively with the franchisor to facilitate an environment of full disclosure that is in the best interest of all parties involved in the transaction. IBA’s attention to detail, transaction facilitation expertise, and strong relationships with bankers interested in financing acquisitions often results in franchisors encouraging their franchisees to engage IBA for representation during the sale of their businesses in the Pacific Northwest.
Established businesses employing a franchised business model sold by IBA since 1975 have ranged from food service business opportunities including Arby’s, Tony Roma’s, Dairy Queen, Taco Del Mar, Wing Zone, & Wetzel’s Pretzel’s to retailers including Play It Again Sports & That Kitchen Shop to a spectrum of service businesses including Royal Restrooms, Travel Professionals International, ShelfGenie, Craters & Freighters, & Pirtek to education & child oriented franchises including The Goddard School, The Little Gym & Great Play.
Please contact our office if you have any questions regarding the representation we provide our clients or if you would like to schedule a time to meet with an IBA professional with experience in the sale of businesses employing a franchised business concept.