Franchise Industry Mergers & Acquisitions

Company Begins Hiring to Fill 120 Additional Store Positions.
DALLAS, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- 7-Eleven, Inc. today announced that it has commenced closing on the acquisition of 55 Sam's Mart stores from Sam's Mart LLC. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
But Slurpee® drinks and Big Bite® hot dogs aren't the only good news 7-Eleven® stores' return to the Greater Charlotte area brings. The company has begun hiring to fill an additional 120 store positions. 7-Eleven has made job offers to personnel working at the stores the company is acquiring. Pay and benefits will be comparable with what they had at Sam's Mart.
"We want to provide continuity for the 350 store employees coming to us from Sam's Mart," said Doug Doyle, North Carolina native and the new market manager for 7-Eleven's operation in the greater Charlotte area...

Premiere Hudson Valley Brokerage Now Serving Wayne and Hawthorne Regions
February 06, 2012 // Franchising.com // New City, N.Y. and Wayne, N.J. – Today the family-owned and operated brokerage, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Rand Realty, announced its expansion into northern New Jersey with the acquisition of Preakness Realty. This strategic business decision by both brokerages will add two offices and 50 agents, including two of New Jersey’s top producers, to the Rand’s growing network of now 28 offices and 850 agents serving the greater Hudson Valley and northern New Jersey regions.
“Expanding into the New Jersey real estate market has been part of our strategic growth strategy for quite some time, but we needed to identify the right opportunity to continue our momentum outside of New York,” said Matt Rand, managing partner, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Rand Realty...

WETHERSFIELD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Broker John Zubretsky, Jr., a high-profile Hartford area broker for 35 years, has announced his company’s affiliation with Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. (WREA). Co-owned by Ann Zubretsky, WEICHERT, REALTORS® - The Zubretsky Group has 85 agents at 449 Silas Deane Highway, Suite 2A, Wethersfield. John Zubretsky III is vice president of operations.
“We are impressed with the way this company has earned its place in the market with leadership and a client-centric, family philosophy that is in sync with our own”
“Weichert really has its act together,” Zubretsky said, citing the organization’s commitment to brokers, agents and profitability. A longtime member of the franchise arena, he is aware of the synergy and benefits that are possible...

Acquires 51 North Texas Locations, Continues Accelerated Store Growth
DALLAS, Jan. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- 7-Eleven, Inc. announced today that it has completed the transaction with ExxonMobil to acquire retail interests in 51 North Texas sites. The transaction concluded Jan. 20; terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The 51 sites, all of which are in the greater Dallas/Fort Worth area, include two unused parcels of land. The majority of locations will be rebranded as 7-Eleven® stores. The stations will retain the Exxon gasoline brand, allowing consumers to continue to purchase the same high-quality Exxon fuels and use their ExxonMobil credit cards and Speedpass devices.
"This acquisition fits well with our aggressive growth strategy," said Robbie Radant, 7-Eleven's new vice president of mergers and acquisitions...

BEVERLY, Mass., Jan. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- FANTASTIC SAMS Hair Salons, the country's leading network of full service salons, announced today that DESSANGE International has acquired all of the outstanding shares of Fantastic Sams Holding Corp.
Fantastic Sams Hair Salons has a company operated and franchise network of over 1,200 salons in 46 states with over 13,000 salon employees in North America. The company opened its first salon in Memphis, Tennessee in 1974 and began franchising salons in 1976. Over the past 37 years, the company has built a reputation for offering quality service and style at affordable pricing for the entire family.
As the world's leading beauty network, DESSANGE International has over 6,000 employees and owns and operates salons and beauty institutes in more than 45 countries...

Carlson Hotels and Rezidor to go to market and do business as the “Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group”
January 18, 2012 // Franchising.com // MINNEAPOLIS and BRUSSELS – Carlson, a global hospitality and travel company, and The Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the fastest growing hotel companies in the world, today announced that they have established the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group. While the legal status and ownership structure of Carlson and Rezidor remain the same, the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group will pursue the global alignment and management of its brands, the ambitious development of its revenue generation engines, global purchasing opportunities, and people development on a global basis. Commercial activities will be conducted under the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group name, irrespective of geographies...

Salt Lake City, UT (Grassroots Newswire) January 18, 2012 – Business and marketing communications franchisor AlphaGraphics, Inc., formerly owned by the UK-based G A Pindar & Son Ltd., has been purchased by an affiliate of Maryland-based private equity fund Blackstreet Capital Partners II. The transaction closed on January 11, 2012.
“We’re extremely excited to add the AlphaGraphics brand to our portfolio,” said Blackstreet Capital Managing Director Lawrence Berger. “This is a unique deal for our team; Blackstreet typically purchases underperforming companies. AlphaGraphics, which is healthy and profitable, does not fall into this category. The company has not only weathered some difficult economic times, but continues to lead its industry in average center sales and net center growth...

Geeks On Call is a national, franchised services organization providing professional IT solutions to small business and residential customers throughout the United States.
Cleveland Ohio, OH, January 14, 2012 --(PR.com)-- Merrymeeting, Inc. announced today an investment in Geeks On Call, a leading franchisor and provider of computer and network services. For more than a decade, small and medium businesses, as well as residential customers, have relied on Geeks On Call and their local franchisees for all of their IT support needs.
“Geeks On Call is an exciting company. Successful franchisees in 125 territories have been providing technology services for up to 10 years. As technology has changed, the professional IT services offered by Geeks On Call franchisees have expanded...

January 13, 2012 // Franchising.com // SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. – Volvo Rents announces the acquisition of SoCal Rental Equip Rent, a single location construction equipment rental company in Glendora, CA.
This is part of the company’s continuing acquisition process over the last 12 months, lifting its North American total to more than 80 stores. The new Glendora, Calif. Volvo Rents location is the 6th for the company in the state.
The new location will enhance the business’ presence in the Los Angeles/Southern California market alongside the already established Bakersfield and Temecula Volvo Rents locations.
“Buying construction equipment requires tremendous capital outlay. A company might buy a piece of equipment for $50,000, but only need it for three months out of the year...

January 09, 2012 // Franchising.com // (Milwaukee) - The Marcus Family, owner of Marcus Investments LLC, and also a controlling stakeholder in the Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS), today announced the acquisition of Fort Atkinson-based Verlo Mattress Factory Stores, the nation's only franchisee model in the $8 billion annual sleep specialty industry.
Marcus Investments acquisition of Verlo Mattresses Factory Stores, the active franchisor that supports more than 40 stores throughout the country, will provide financial and overall business support functions to help stimulate growth for franchisee operators while continuing to offer and improve upon excellent consumer experiences. The purchase builds on the mission of Marcus Investments to acquire, steward and grow the legacies of successful entrepreneurs and family-owned businesses...

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Pet Supplies Plus (“PSP”) announced today that it has completed the acquisition of its largest franchisee, consisting of twelve stores in Northeast Pennsylvania. PSP, a portfolio company of Irving Place Capital, is the third-largest pet specialty retailer in the United States.
PSP’s Northeast Pennsylvania franchisee opened its first store in Wilkes-Barre in 1995. Over the past sixteen years, the group has expanded to twelve successful stores in the region.
Dave Bolen, CEO of Pet Supplies Plus, said, “Our Northeast Pennsylvania franchisee is not only the largest in our system, but is also one of the best-managed franchise operations. We are looking forward to building on the success of these stores as we expand our footprint in the region...

SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. – In 2011, Volvo Rents expanded its presence nationally, acquiring more than 50 companies in the United States, as well as internationally, as the brand acquired six new locations in Canada. The brand recently continued its international expansion with its most recent acquisition of Casco Rentals, a division of Casco, Inc. and Encar Rentals, Inc. in Puerto Rico.
The new locations are in Toa Baja and Lajas, Puerto Rico, making them the first Volvo Rents stores in the country.
“Not only in the U.S., but on a global level there is an undergoing and unprecedented shift from buying equipment to renting,” said Mike Crouch, Vice President of Business Development for Volvo Rents, noting that construction equipment rental revenue grows an average of seven percent annually...

SILVER SPRING, Md., Jan. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's largest lodging franchisors, today announced the appointment of John Tague, CEO for Greatwide Logistics Services of Dallas, to its Board of Directors.
Mr. Tague brings a wealth of hospitality experience to Choice Hotels, particularly his many years of experience helping the airline industry navigate and understand eCommerce, making him the ideal candidate to act as the board's expert on distribution and marketing.
Mr. Tague served as president of United Airlines and executive vice president of UAL Corporate, based at the company's headquarters in Chicago. He was responsible for all airline management functions, including Safety, Security, Airport Operations, Onboard Service, Maintenance, Flight Operations, and United Express...

CORONA, Calif., Jan. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Papa Bello Enterprises (Pink Sheets: PAPA) announced today that the company has acquired majority control of Mamas Direct. Mama's Direct is an early stage organization using a hybrid business model that blends direct sales, brick and mortar retailing, franchising and multi-level marketing (MLM) business models to sell high quality food and food related products. Mama's Direct has been founded by a partnership of industry experts. The company is registered as a Nevada corporation.
Mama's Direct sells a complete line of healthy and nutritious "Meals to Go" pre prepared, and pre proportioned in a broad range of food groups, and food related products designed to meet the most discriminating tastes...

RE/MAX Select Real Estate, a residential brokerage in Maple Valley Washington announces a merger with RE/MAX Leading Edge of Black Diamond and the opening of a second location at The Landing in Renton, WA.
Maple Valley, WA, January 04, 2012 --(PR.com)-- Despite another challenging year in the housing market, RE/MAX Select Real Estate, located in Maple Valley, WA recently announced plans for growth and expansion in 2012.
The Maple Valley office recently merged with RE/MAX Leading Edge out of Black Diamond, WA. "Both of our offices share a common philosophy of exceptional customer service and community support, so the merger seemed natural," said Colleen Fischesser, Designated Broker and Owner of the Maple Valley office. The merged office will operate under the RE/MAX Select Real Estate name...

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Dec. 20, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Swisher Hygiene Inc. ("Swisher Hygiene") (Nasdaq:SWSH) (TSX:SWI), a leading provider of essential hygiene and sanitation products and services, today announced it has acquired certain solid waste and recycling assets of FSR Transporting & Crane Services, Inc. ("FSR").
FSR provides solid waste management and recycling services to the South Florida region, which includes the collection, hauling and disposal of solid waste and recyclables from commercial, construction and demolition and roll-off customers and accounts.
"The acquisition of FSR's solid waste business further strengthens our competitive footprint and our ongoing execution in South Florida," stated Glen Miller, Chief Executive Officer of Swisher Hygiene's Choice Environmental Services subsidiary...

December 22, 2011 // Franchising.com // VANCOUVER, Wash.– Papa Murphy’s International (PMI) announced today that its Company Stores Division – Papa Murphy’s Company Stores, Inc. – has acquired 20 Papa Murphy’s Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza stores. The transaction was completed on Monday, December 19th between PMI and McKinleyville, Calif.-based L&K Hodge, LLC and its assorted partnerships. The acquired stores are located in the Minneapolis, Denver and Colorado Springs markets and increase the company-owned store count to 52.
Papa Murphy’s Chairman and CEO John Barr says the move will strengthen the pizza chain’s penetration in the three markets. “The acquisition complements our current base of stores and fits with our strategy to broaden the Company Stores Division where we have the highest consumer awareness,” said Barr...

December 20, 2011 // Franchising.com // Caring Senior Service, a national in-home care provider for seniors, has announced that it has awarded its Collin County, TX franchise territory to Parrish and Delia Potts. The Potts, who are franchise owners of the Northeast Dallas County territory, have acquired the Collin County territory from a former franchise owner.
With the acquisition of the Collin County territory, the Potts now own and operate two Dallas-area locations making them the third set of franchise owners in the Caring system to become multi-unit owners.
“The fact that Parrish and Delia are expanding their ownership with us is a testament to their belief in our strategic growth plans and the future of Caring Senior Service...

In an effort to successfully expand its in-home care services program, Lutheran Social Services of Michigan purchases Home Care Assistance franchise.
Birmingham, MI (PRWEB) December 19, 2011 - Home Care Assistance of Michigan, the leading provider of in-home care senior services throughout the southeastern region of the state, announced today that they were acquired by Lutheran Social Services of Michigan (LSSM), a national, private non-profit organization that is dedicated to creating communities of service that meet the needs of community members, uphold human dignity and advocate equality and justice. This is the first time in Lutheran Social Services of Michigan’s history that the organization has purchased a private pay home care company...

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- December 19, 2011--Harvest Partners, LP (“Harvest”), a New York-based private equity firm, announced today that it has completed the acquisition of Driven Brands, Inc. (“Driven” or the “Company”), in partnership with management, from Carousel Capital. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
“Driven is in a great position to continue its growth both organically and through further consolidation of the automotive aftermarket industry”
Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Driven is a leading franchisor in the automotive aftermarket services industry with a national franchising platform in the United States and Canada. Driven’s flagship service brands include Meineke and Maaco, two highly recognizable brands within the industry, in addition to several other brands...