In franchising this week: IKEA lands in New Zealand, Chemist Warehouse heads to the bargaining table, Hardee's sues a 77-unit operator.
Wednesday 5 August 2026 · Global franchise news
Franchise Brief
Investment, M&A and platform-building inside franchise systems.
International Franchising
Marriott raised its 2026 RevPAR outlook and reported a record development pipeline of nearly 4,200 properties and about 629,000 rooms.
Franchise Market News·3 Aug 2026· 5 min
Funding & Acquisitions
Alimentation Couche-Tard has agreed to acquire a controlling stake in Zabka Group, setting up an 8.6 billion dollar tender offer for a 13,000-store franchise network.
Franchise Market News·1 Aug 2026· 7 min
Funding & Acquisitions
Group 1 Automotive has agreed to acquire Hennessy Automobile Companies' 10 dealerships and real estate in a roughly $1.3 billion deal that would lift its Atlanta footprint to 15 stores.
Franchise Market News·30 July 2026· 6 min
Founder Stories
IMAGE Studios founder Jason Olsen has launched Gorgeous Collective, a multi-brand platform built to acquire and support beauty, skincare and wellness franchise concepts.
Franchise Market News·29 July 2026· 6 min
Funding & Acquisitions
Biscuit Belly says it has acquired 34 Maple Street Biscuit Company locations, a deal that would lift the Louisville-founded brand past 60 units by the end of 2028.
Franchise Brief Newsroom·21 July 2026· 6 min
Funding & Acquisitions
Franchise Equity Partners has acquired Bravo Fit, the Planet Fitness franchisee in Australia, from existing shareholders including Planet Fitness, taking on 32 clubs and exclusive development rights for up to about 100 sites.
Franchise Brief Newsroom·20 July 2026· 6 min
Funding & Acquisitions
Stephen Siegel's Amazing Brands has acquired Hot Dog on a Stick through a bankruptcy court-approved transaction and plans to rebuild the 80-year-old chain through new formats and franchising.
Franchise Brief Newsroom·14 July 2026· 6 min
International Franchising
Domino's Brazil is transferring its final 22 company-owned outlets to franchise partners as Vinci Compass pushes toward a capital-light, fully franchised growth model.
Franchise Brief Newsroom·30 June 2026· 6 min
Funding & Acquisitions
Jack in the Box has completed a $500 million securitized financing facility, using the proceeds to repay existing notes as its JACK on Track plan continues.
Franchise Brief Newsroom·24 June 2026· 5 min
Funding & Acquisitions
Aligned Fitness Holdings has acquired six Club Pilates studios in New Jersey, expanding to 61 studios and reinforcing the platform-building trend in franchise fitness.
Franchise Brief Newsroom·5 June 2026· 5 min
Funding & Acquisitions
Nadeem Bajwa, who operates nearly 300 Papa John's locations, is working with Irth Capital on a reported $47-per-share bid to take the chain private.
Franchise Brief Newsroom·14 May 2026· 5 min
Funding & Acquisitions
Italian-based commerce group Fortidia has taken a majority stake in Kwik Kopy Australia, with the Penfold family staying on as minority shareholders.
Franchise Brief Newsroom·3 Oct 2025· 5 min