Should Franchisors Consider Private Equity Investments?
Private equity investors have grown comfortable with the predictable cash flow and exciting growth opportunities in franchising. Today many franchise companies exploring financing alternatives are looking to private equity firms for growth capital, cash for buy-out’s, or liquidity for shareholders and management. Forming an equity partner relationship can have a dramatic impact on the long-term potential of a business.
How can you be sure it’s the right choice for you? We asked Glen Kaufman, Managing Director at American Securities, a private equity firm with a consistent track record in the industry. The middle-market firm invests in companies with revenues ranging from $100 million to $1 billion.
Q: What should you expect from the franchise/private equity investor relationship?
Kaufman: You ought to expect a partner who understands your company and its culture, is supportive of the management team and its position, understands how to deliver value without infringing on management’s role, and is oriented towards the long-term successful building of your enterprise. The capital that a firm will bring is necessary, but what you really ought to be focused on are those other elements.
Q: How can you find the right equity partner?
Kaufman: There is no shortage of equity partners. You can seek equity capital directly through your relationships with law firms and accounting firms who will generally know the sources of equity capital. You can also retain an intermediary, a broker, or an investment banking firm that will connect you with potential providers of capital. Your job during the process is to effectively communicate your story and your vision in a candid way so that you ultimately get the right match.
Q: What can you do to make it succeed?
Kaufman: The key to success as in all relationships is picking the right partner that matches your style, culture, and goals. Then nurture the relationship from the earliest stages. Avoid doing negative things like portraying yourself differently than you are, over-promising, or developing an attitude that does not promote constructive dialog such as blocking the other party from the discussion.
Q: When is the right time to begin the process?
Kaufman: People want capital for many reasons. Whatever your reason, the right time to raise capital is before you need it. You never want to be in a situation where you need to do anything in business. You want to act to raise capital when you feel no pressure to have that capital.
Contact info: Glenn Kaufman, Managing Director American Securities (212) 476-8029 www.american-securities.com
Watch out, Franchisees! 10 Franchisor Red Flags
Only a limited number of states require registration by franchisors, and franchisors are by no means required to register in states where they have no intention of selling franchises. However, if a mature franchisor appears to be consciously avoiding the registration states, this may suggest some level of internal concern about the FDD, the franchisor’s sales tactics, or the franchise system as a whole. The cover pages of the FDD will identify where the franchisor is required to register (and whether it has registered or not), and the charts in Item 20 of the FDD will explain whether the franchisor has ever sold a franchise in any of the registration states.
Capital Formation Strategies For the Growing Franchise
One of the most difficult tasks faced by the leadership team of a growing franchisor is the development and maintenance of an optimal capital structure and access to the resources that the franchisor will need to stay strong and maintain its growth plans. Access to affordable debt and equity capital continues to be a problem for the growing franchisor even though franchising has matured as a viable method of business growth.
Franchise Ownership in your 40's
You’ve likely heard the ancient Chinese proverb, “The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago–the second best time is now.” The same goes for any investment in life--launching a business venture is no different. Turns out, your 40's may be the most ideal time to launch your franchise, after all! Read on to learn more...
