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IKEA Expands into Costa Rica Through Sarton Group with a Phased, Multi-Format Market Entry Strategy
IKEA is expanding into Costa Rica through Sarton Group, but the structure of the rollout is considerably more interesting than a conventional new-country store opening. Instead of beginning with one enormous IKEA destination store, the Costa Rican market is being developed through multiple retail and fulfilment formats, each serving a…
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Papa Johns Refranchises 28 Orlando Restaurants to 120-Unit Operator in $10.8 Million Transaction
Papa Johns has completed the refranchising of 28 company-owned restaurants in the Orlando area to entities controlled by longtime franchisee Wade Oney, shifting another group of corporate restaurants into the hands of an experienced multi-unit operator. The transaction was previously valued at approximately $10.8 million, before closing adjustments and transaction…
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The Great Greek Accelerates International Expansion Across Egypt, Australia, Canada, Guyana and the Caribbean
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill is moving into a more significant stage of international development as it approaches the 100-restaurant milestone. The Mediterranean fast-casual concept has 92 restaurants operating across 22 U.S. states and international markets and expects to surpass 100 open locations by the end of 2026. Internationally, the…
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Angel-in-Us Returns to Indonesia Through Master Franchise Agreement, Six Years After Ending Direct Operations
South Korean coffee brand Angel-in-Us is returning to Indonesia, six years after withdrawing from the market. But it is not returning under the same structure. Lotte GRS has signed a master franchise agreement with Indonesia's Bogajaya Group, replacing the direct operating model previously used by the brand with a locally…
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Dunkin’ Returns to Puerto Rico Through Fusion Restaurant Group as Multi-Brand Operators Gain Greater Franchise Influence
Dunkin’ is returning to Puerto Rico through an exclusive development and operating agreement with Fusion Restaurant Group, bringing the brand back to the market with restaurant openings expected to begin in 2027. The return is commercially significant. Dunkin’ is one of the world's largest coffee and baked-goods restaurant brands, with…
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SIXT Enters Tunisia Through Strategic Franchise Partnership as Global Mobility Expansion Accelerates
SIXT has entered Tunisia through a strategic franchise agreement with Tunifleet Car Rental, extending the German mobility company's international network into another important North African tourism market. The partnership brings together SIXT's global mobility platform with a locally established business backed by expertise in industry, tourism and hospitality. Operations have…
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Taco Bell Returns to the UAE After 14 Years Through Americana Restaurants, with Wider GCC Expansion Planned
Taco Bell is returning to the United Arab Emirates after a 14-year absence, but the structure behind its return is arguably more important than the reopening itself. Americana Restaurants has secured an exclusive development agreement with Taco Bell UK and Europe, a Yum! Brands subsidiary, to bring the brand back…
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Franchise Insights Global Markets Investment & Private Deals Market Entry & Expansion Strategy & Advisory
From Master Franchisee to Brand Owner: The New Franchise Power Structure
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…
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Franchise Insights Global Markets Investment & Private Deals Market Entry & Expansion Strategy & Advisory
The Rise of the Institutional Franchise Operator™ – How Multi-Brand, Multi-Unit and Multi-Territory Platforms Are Reshaping International Franchising
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…
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Bosch Expands Retail Footprint Across India as Home Appliances Brand Opens New Franchise Opportunities
Bosch is deepening its physical retail presence across India as demand for premium home appliances continues to grow beyond the country's largest metropolitan markets. The expansion is significant for another reason. Unlike many international brands whose Indian store networks are controlled entirely through corporate operations or a single national partner,…
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