The Role of Franchise Brand Identity in M&A

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the franchising world can be complicated. One of the key elements that can make or break these deals is brand identity. 

Let's break down what brand identity is and why it matters in M&A, and look at some tips for making these transactions successful.

What Is Brand Identity?

Brand identity is what makes a brand unique. It includes everything from the company’s values and mission to the way it looks and feels to customers. 

“A brand identity goes along with the values of your business and how you communicate with your product,” David Brand, CEO of Brand Franchise Group, told 1851 Franchise. “If you have a good brand identity and you deliver on your promise, you will have a raving fan/customer for life.”

In simple terms, brand identity is the personality and soul of a business. It’s what sets a company apart and keeps customers coming back. It’s more than just logos and slogans; it’s about creating a consistent and meaningful experience for customers.

How Brand Identity Plays Into M&A

Keeping a brand identity intact during M&A is crucial because franchises rely heavily on their established names and operating systems. 

“A successful merger or acquisition (M&A) in franchising hinges on several key factors, with sourcing entrepreneurial or individual buyers being paramount,” Max L. Friar, managing partner at Calder Capital, LLC, told 1851 Franchise. 

Franchise M&A involves a “two sale” process. This means both the current franchise owner and the franchisor need to approve the new buyer. The buyer has to meet financial and operational criteria and align with the franchisor’s vision and standards. 

“The franchisor's approval is critical because they are entrusting their brand and reputation to the new owner,” Friar said.

Part of this process includes discovery days, where prospective buyers get a deep dive into the franchise’s operations and culture. The transfer process involves steps like background checks, financial assessments and training sessions to ensure the new owner is prepared. All these steps help keep the brand identity strong and ensure a smooth transition.

Successful M&A Tips

For a merger or acquisition to succeed in the franchising sector, careful planning and execution are key. Andrew Dickow, managing director at Greenwich Capital Group, shared some essential tips with 1851 Franchise. 

Strong Back Office, SOPs and Field Support: Ensure the franchise has a strong back office, clear standard operating procedures (SOPs), and good field support to maintain consistency and efficiency.

Good Relationship with the Franchisor: A strong, cooperative relationship with the franchisor is vital. It helps preserve important terms like royalties and development rights after the acquisition.

Strategic Location Analysis: Look at the geographic locations of the merging entities to avoid cannibalization and find opportunities for shared resources. This can lead to cost savings and better service delivery.

Growth Prospects and Franchising Experience: Understand the franchise’s growth potential and have experience in franchising. This helps in navigating the franchise model’s complexities and leveraging growth opportunities.

Cultural Alignment: Ensure the merging companies have compatible cultures. A shared vision and similar corporate cultures make integration smoother and increase the chances of long-term success.

Due Diligence and Financial Health: Conduct thorough due diligence to assess the franchise’s financial health and identify potential risks. This ensures the acquisition is based on solid ground.

“By incorporating these elements into your approach, you can significantly enhance the likelihood of a successful merger or acquisition in the franchising sector,” said Dickow. 

Whether your brand is merging with another or being acquired, keeping the brand identity strong is key to continue thriving and connecting with customers.

To learn more about franchise M&A, check out these related 1851 Franchise articles:

• The Beginner's Guide to Acquiring a Franchise Brand
• Trends Driving Franchise M&A
• The Role of Artificial Intelligence in M&A Due Diligence