Growing a Franchise
Baker McKenzie combines decades of experience with a global network to help franchise and brand-driven companies expand, comply with local laws and build lasting systems.
Brand: Baker McKenzie
Website: https://www.bakermckenzie.com/en/
Supplier Profile: https://1851franchise.com/supplier/baker-mc-kenzie
Service Segment: Franchise and distribution law, international expansion, licensing, joint ventures, direct investment, supply chain development, brand protection
Top Clients: Unilever, Bayer, GLP Pte. Ltd., HARMAN
Baker McKenzie is one of the largest international law firms, with more than 70 offices worldwide. Its franchise and brand expansion practice helps businesses grow across borders using franchise models, licensing, joint ventures and direct investment. The team has decades of experience supporting brands through all stages of their life cycle, from system creation to global rollouts. It is consistently recognized by Chambers Global, Who’s Who Legal and Franchise Times for its leadership in franchising.
Founded in 1949, Baker McKenzie has built its reputation on blending local expertise with international perspective. The firm works with clients in nearly every commercialized jurisdiction, ensuring that brands comply with local disclosure, registration and franchise laws. The franchise and distribution practice forms part of a larger full-service offering that covers intellectual property, employment, tax, litigation and regulatory compliance.
Baker McKenzie works on cross-border franchising by using lawyers in each country who know the local rules. This helps clients keep their agreements and disclosures consistent while following local laws. The firm also runs a program called “Reinvent by Baker McKenzie,” which uses technology and process changes to make work faster and more efficient for clients.
The firm provides full support for franchise structuring and disclosure documents, international expansion through franchising and licensing, and joint venture or direct investment models. It also assists with supply chain development, intellectual property protection, employment law, tax planning, dispute resolution and regulatory compliance. This allows franchisors to access comprehensive advice in one place.
Baker McKenzie’s franchise and distribution practice is ranked Band 1 globally and is recognized by major industry directories. The firm has supported brands in expanding into many markets. It adjusts systems to follow local laws and business practices.
Recently, Baker McKenzie worked with GLP Pte. Ltd. on a $1.5 billion investment from the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority. The deal involved lawyers in Singapore and Hong Kong.
Additionally, Baker McKenzie served as global regulatory counsel to Unilever in its acquisition of men’s personal care brand Dr. Squatch from Summit Partners. A cross-border team led by Global Antitrust Chair Creighton Macy and Partner Anthony Gamble guided the transaction.
The firm continues to expand its global capabilities, focusing on sustainability and responsible business practices. It publishes annual reports on ESG, policy shifts and cross-border strategy, reflecting the wider issues clients face. Baker McKenzie plans to remain a partner to brands as they navigate regulatory changes, supply chain disruptions and the opportunities of digital transformation.
Baker McKenzie is recognized as the leading global franchise and distribution law practice. It has unmatched geographic reach with more than 70 offices and combines subject matter expertise in franchising with broader capabilities in areas like IP, employment, tax and disputes. Its coordinated cross-border approach, supported by technology through Reinvent, makes it distinct from smaller or regional firms.
Baker McKenzie provides brands with the legal structure and ongoing support needed to expand, protect and manage franchise systems across multiple markets. With its reputation, global reach and comprehensive services, it remains a trusted advisor to franchisors worldwide.
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