Global Franchise 9.1

he first quarter is always an exciting time in international franchising, with shows and expos hitting peak season, including the International Franchise Association’s Convention in February. Always a vital event in the franchising calendar, this year the conference took place in Phoenix, Arizona, pulling in the great and good from all four corners of the world. It also provided the perfect platform for our very own Global Franchise Awards – the annual ceremony that brings together franchising’s heavyweights to celebrate excellence in our industry. Aided and supported by our congenial host, Jack Monson, and sponsored by last year’s Grand Champion, School of Rock, we were delighted to recognize and reward some of this year’s outstanding franchisors, including Anytime Fitness, which not onlywon its category but also bagged the Regional Champion and overall Grand Champion accolades. Find out who won what and read our interviews with some of the evening’s biggest winners in our extended Powerbrands section starting on page 15. Present at the event was IFA President and CEO Matthew Haller, who graciously accepted his invitation into the Global Franchise Hall of Fame for his influence and tenacity in advocating for international franchising in the face of stiff challenges. Later, at the International Franchise Show in London in April, I caught up with Matt again, where he reflected on some of the joys and challenges of leadership, and what his plans and ambitions are for the IFA. You can read the interview on page 20, as well as a full lowdown on the London IFS on page 49. Beyond the world of franchise expos, this issue we explore the opportunities presented by private equity investment, a topic that couldn’t be covered better by anyone but Alicia Miller, author and co-founder of Emergent Growth Advisors. In our interview on page 42, Alicia demystifies this murky area and provides some valuable advice to franchisors on how to attract the eye of PE investors, a playbook for growth that can literally turn the fortunes of brands both established and emerging. It’s a fascinating read. To your success, Charlotte Smith Editor, Global Franchise charlotte.smith@artichokehq.com T global-franchise.com FROM THE EDITOR @globalfranmag Global Franchise Global Franchise Magazine EDITOR Charlotte Smith charlotte.smith@artichokehq.com FRANCHISE ADVERTISING MANAGER Rachael Wenham 44 (0) 1323 471291 rachael.wenham@artichokehq.com SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER Millie Hall 44 (0) 1323 471291 millie.hall@artichokehq.com ART EDITORS: Sarah Barajas and Richard Allen ACCOUNTS: Artichokemedialtd@integral2.com PUBLISHERS: Joe Carter, Sam Reubin, Richard Stebbing PUBLISHED BY: Artichoke Media Ltd The views in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is made to ensure the veracity and integrity of the companies, persons, products and services mentioned in this publication, and the details given are believed to be accurate at the time of going to press. However, no responsibility or liability whatsoever can be accepted for any consequence or repercussion of responding to information or advice given or inferred. Copyright Artichoke Media Ltd. advisor NEXT ISSUE ON SALE: OCTOBER 2024