Finance & M&A — page 53

The first quarter of 2026 has come and gone, and one thing is clear: franchising is thriving.

BeanSquad, the financial services provider specializing in bookkeeping, compliance and KPI-driven advisory for franchise systems and multi-unit operators, is celebrating strong momentum in the first quarter of 2026.

Genesis Health Clubs acquires nine clubs, enters New Mexico market.

Pool Scouts is adding leak detection as a new service, giving franchisees another way to bring in revenue while helping customers solve a problem that often surfaces during routine maintenance.

Franchisees should review FDD Items 3 and 4 for litigation and bankruptcy history

Sales of Papa Johns and Pizza Hut could be close, as both restaurant brands are likely to be taken private so new owners can take measures to improve their performance.

Pizza Hut and Papa Johns near sale to private buyers.

Kansas-based steakhouse operator 801 Restaurant Group filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last week, adding to the long list of restaurant bankruptcies over the past few years.

Private equity firm KKR acquires bakery franchise Nothing Bundt Cakes from Roark Capital for over $2 billion.

Ziebart is an automotive services franchise with a focus in aftermarket services like vehicle protection, detailing, window tint and accessories that leverages more than 60 years of brand recognition and customer trust.

European fitness market gains 75.5 million members and $44.5 billion in revenue.

McDonald's introduces a new crafted beverage lineup, offering franchisees new sales opportunities.

Tiger Global Management has invested in the PopUp Bagels franchise, which now claims a valuation of $300 million.

Tint World is a franchise brand in the automotive aftermarket.

Recent dealmaking data highlights 50 significant platform investments made by private equity firms within the Association for Corporate Growth membership during the first quarter of 2026.

In a funding landscape that can’t get enough of Pilates , Yoga Joint, a Florida-founded infrared fitness franchise, just made a case for a concept that doesn’t require a reformer.

April 13, 2026 // Franchising.com // CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Allegra Marketing Print Mail in Clinton Township has acquired American Speedy Printing in Shelby Township.

Tiger Global’s investment in PopUp Bagels at a $300 million valuation signals high investor confidence in the brand's rapid territory sales and reported unit volumes.

Franchisors need a financial partner by Q1 for scalable growth

Geddo Corp., a 12-unit Farmer Boys franchisee, files for bankruptcy.

TourScale acquires Pedal Pub, a 19-year-old experiential tourism brand, expanding its platform franchisor services.

Working capital plays a crucial role in launching, stabilizing, and growing a franchise business, requiring a sufficient cash cushion.

V’s Barbershop provides information on its franchise costs, fees, and profit data for 2026, offering a men’s grooming brand with modern amenities and classic services.

Meineke is a nationally recognized automotive aftermarket franchise providing full-service repair and maintenance, including brakes, exhaust, oil changes, steering and suspension, tires, diagnostics and preventive car care.