Category: Strategy & Advisory
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How Successful Franchise Operators Are Moving Up the Value Chain—from Operating Brands to Acquiring Them For decades, the franchise hierarchy appeared straightforward. The franchisor owned the brand. The franchisee operated the business. The franchisor controlled the intellectual property, system and strategic direction, while the franchisee deployed capital and operating resources within an agreed territory. That…
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For much of modern franchise history, the industry was explained through a relatively simple relationship: a franchisor owned the brand and operating system, while a franchisee invested in and operated one or more locations. That model remains important. But at the upper end of international franchising, something more sophisticated is emerging. The franchisee is increasingly…
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Malaysia has welcomed two significant international restaurant brands in quick succession, with Bonchon and Little Caesars both establishing their first locations in the country as global QSR operators continue to deepen their presence across Southeast Asia. The two brands arrive from very different food cultures. Bonchon brings Korean fried chicken and a global network approaching…
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Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is accelerating its franchise expansion, with approximately 60 new restaurants planned for 2026 as the American fast-casual chain moves towards and potentially beyond the 600-location milestone. The expansion is being driven largely by franchise partners, including existing operators that are committing additional capital to new territories. Approximately one-third of Freddy’s…
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Marks & Spencer is preparing for a new chapter in the Philippines after appointing MAP Group as its new franchise partner for the market. The agreement keeps Marks & Spencer in the Philippines following the conclusion of its previous operating arrangement and places the business in the hands of a regional retail group that already…
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U.S. Polo Assn. is entering another significant phase of international growth, with the brand targeting a global network of approximately 1,500 stores by 2030 while continuing to expand across some of the world’s most important emerging consumer markets. The scale is notable, but the structure behind the growth is even more important. Unlike international fashion…
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Sephora is having a significant year in Europe. The beauty retailer has officially entered Belgium with its first stores in Brussels and plans for further expansion across the country, while simultaneously bringing its flagship beauty festival, SEPHORiA Europe, to London for the first time. Taken together, these developments reveal far more than store growth. They…
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Just two years ago, many industry observers were questioning whether Superdry could regain its footing. Today, the conversation is very different. Following a major restructuring, a return to profitability, and a broader repositioning of the brand, Superdry is once again focused on expansion. The company has announced plans to strengthen its presence across Europe while…
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Global expansion is often presented as a simple story. A successful brand identifies a new market, opens stores, and grows. The reality is usually far more complex. The latest move by Mango in Italy is a good example of how some of the world’s most successful retailers continue to rely on local partnerships to accelerate…