Franchise Industry Mergers & Acquisitions

Seattle, WA - HomeTask Brands of Service is very excited to announce the addition of its second home service brand, Pet Butler. As the nation's leading pet waste cleanup and removal service, Pet Butler has been taking away the worst part of pet ownership for over 22 years. Pet Butler is "#1 in the #2 business" and charges a small per-visit fee for its technicians to collect dog and cat waste, carry it away, and dispose of it properly.

"Pet Butler Franchises across the nation are already reaping the benefits of being part of the HomeTask family" said Matt "Red" Boswell, Founder of Pet Butler. "The customer service, buying power, economies of scale and advanced support systems that HomeTask provides its franchise partners is second to none," continues Boswell...

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) February 10, 2010 -- Kimberly Fowler, former professional triathlete, cancer survivor and founder/owner of YAS Fitness Centers, acquired the franchise's YAS Silver Lake location on February 1st, determined to see the unique fitness studio meets her high standards while making it a proactive community force on par with her original YAS Venice location.

"We're bringing all kinds of improvements to the studio," Fowler says, "From adding heat in the yoga room--it hasn't been heated to now, brrrrr--as well as adding a YAS Yoga & Sportswear shop and another yoga room for private instruction. And that's just for starters."

Fowler will also be bringing her "A-Team" of managers and instructors to YAS Silver Lake, including herself: Fowler will be teaching Yoga on Tuesday and Thursday nights...

ITASCA, Ill., Jan 25, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Midas, Inc. (NYSE: MDS) has acquired 22 Midas automotive service shops in Northern California from franchisee Maurice I. Glad. The transition was completed this weekend, and the shops opened today under Midas' management. There was no interruption in services for consumers.

Midas acquired these shops in connection with a settlement between Glad and the California Attorney General and Bureau of Automotive Repair. Glad had been charged with violating state business and professional codes in a suit seeking $222 million in civil penalties and costs. Midas was not named in the suit and worked closely with the California Attorney General's Office on acquiring these shops.

Midas paid approximately $5...

Acquisition Positions Realogy for Strategic Growth Across its International and Domestic Businesses

January 21, 2010 // Franchising.com // PARSIPPANY, N.J. -- Realogy Corporation, a leading global provider of real estate and relocation services, today announced that its relocation services subsidiary, Cartus Corporation, has acquired Primacy Relocation, a prominent relocation and global assignment management services company based in Memphis, Tenn. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

"This is a strategic acquisition for Cartus - one that will enhance its domestic operations, substantially broaden its global capabilities, and firmly position it as the leading relocation services provider to the government sector," said Richard A...

Western Sizzlin Corporation Declares a Special Dividend Payable to Western Sizzlin Stockholders in the Form of Shares of Steak n Shake

INDIANAPOLIS and ROANOKE, Va., Oct. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Steak n Shake Company ("SNS") (NYSE: SNS), and Western Sizzlin Corporation ("Western") (Nasdaq: WEST), today jointly announced that they had executed an agreement for a wholly-owned subsidiary of Steak n Shake to merge with and into Western. Western has also declared a special dividend payable to Western stockholders in the form of 1,322,806 shares of Steak n Shake common stock presently beneficially owned by an investment subsidiary of Western. Together, the dividend and (if and when completed) the merger are estimated to have an aggregate transaction value (in principal amount of Steak n Shake debentures and market value of Steak n Shake stock) to Western's stockholders of approximately $38...

BALTIMORE, Oct. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Papa Bello Enterprises (Pink Sheets: PAPA) announced today that the company has signed a letter of intent to acquire Pastore's of Rosedale, Inc., a Baltimore based restaurant, deli, and bakery chain. Established in 1999, Pastore's now has two locations in the greater Baltimore area and expects to post revenues of approximately $1.4 million in fiscal year 2009. Pastore's is known for its premium deli meats, cheeses, desserts, and prepared foods. In addition, Pastore's has built a strong catering and delivery program, which Papa Bello will incorporate into its stores as well as the Kebab Cafe. The acquisition is anticipated to close no later than November 30, 2009.

Following the acquisition, Pastore's will assist Papa Bello in the design and deployment of a new franchise concept that the company expects to market nationwide under the name "Pastore's Italian Bistro & Pizzeria...

BALTIMORE, Oct. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Papa Bello Enterprises, Inc. (Pink Sheets: PAPA) is pleased to announce that the company has signed a letter of intent to acquire the Kebab Cafe; a Southern California based restaurant concept specializing in Middle Eastern style cuisine with a European twist. Pending necessary due diligence, Papa Bello expects to close the acquisition on approximately October 31, 2009.

The Kebab Cafe currently operates a flagship location in the Westfield Mall in La Jolla, California and anticipates opening up to 10 new corporately owned locations in 2010 as well as building out the concept for franchising.

The Kebab Cafe was created by and currently operated by two brothers, Sam and Jag Kambo...

Expansion Makes Family-Operated Griffin Fast Lube One of the Largest Jiffy Lube Franchise Groups

SALT LAKE CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jiffy Lube® franchisee Griffin Fast Lube today announced the acquisition of 23 Jiffy Lube service centers in Colorado, including locations in the Denver and Colorado Springs markets. In addition to the 27 Jiffy Lube service centers the company owns in Utah and northern Nevada, Griffin Fast Lube now operates a total of 50 stores, making the entity one of the largest Jiffy Lube franchises in the country.

"We are thrilled to announce this expansion, particularly given today's difficult economic climate. The Jiffy Lube service centers owned by Griffin Fast Lube have always prided themselves on providing exceptional customer service at each and every location...

Canadian public company transaction scheduled to become effective September 28th, 2009

OAKVILLE, ON, Sept. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Tim Hortons Inc. (NYSE: THI, TSX: THI) announced voting results on a proposed merger transaction (the "merger") to reorganize the Company as a Canadian public company, before its stockholders at the Special Meeting of Stockholders held earlier today. A total of approximately 74% of the 180,680,748 common shares of the Company entitled to vote at the meeting were voted, with approximately 99% in favor of the transaction.

Absent any unforeseen circumstances, Tim Hortons expects to proceed with the completion of the transaction, with the merger and reorganization to become effective on September 28th, 2009...

Expense Reduction Consultants(R) added to Full Suite of Business Coaching Services

SOUTHBURY, Conn., Aug. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Already dominating the business coaching market, FranchisEsource Brands International, FSBI, is adding to its in-demand, Business Coaching suite of strategies yet another set of services in support of the challenges entrepreneurs face on a day-to-day basis. Expense Reduction Consultants, ERC has been acquired by FSBI bringing cost reduction expertise to the arsenal of services FSBI business coaching brands already bring to aspiring and existing business owners.

"Our brands are highly synergistic with each other and support the growth and prosperity of all business owners," said Terry Powell, CEO and founder of FSBI...

Outdoor Living Brands, the preeminent leader in branded franchise offerings in the outdoor living category, has added Mosquito Squad® to its portfolio of respected brands.

Richmond, Va. (PRWEB) February 26, 2009 -- Outdoor Living Brands, the preeminent leader in branded franchise offerings in the outdoor living category, has added Mosquito Squad® to its portfolio of respected brands. The acquisition extends the company's range of franchise offerings dedicated to the enjoyment of outdoor living, which currently includes Archadeck and Outdoor Lighting Perspectives.

"Mosquito Squad is a natural fit for the Outdoor Living Brands family of franchise companies," said Christopher Grandpre, president and chief executive officer of Outdoor Living Brands...

Both Brands Will Be Operated by Newly Formed Petrus Brands, Inc. ATLANTA, GA--(Marketwire) - Edmonds Capital, LLC announces today that it is teaming with the management teams of Shane's Rib Shack, a national rib shack and barbecue concept founded by Shane Thompson in 2002, and Planet Smoothie, a national smoothie concept founded by Martin Sprock in 1995, to purchase each of the businesses. Both companies will retain their management teams and will operate under the holding company of Petrus Brands, Inc. in Atlanta, GA. In addition, founder Shane Thompson becomes president of Shane's Rib Shack and Chris Morocco, who has been the chief development officer for both brands, becomes the new CEO of Petrus Brands. Arlington Capital Advisors acted as exclusive financial advisor to Shane's Rib Shack and Planet Smoothie in the transaction...

Combined Entity Will Have 43 Locations Across The Globe Including New York, California, Singapore And Hong Kong

January 06, 2009 // Franchising.com // NEW YORK-- Kidville, Inc. (KVIL.OB), which operates upscale facilities catering to newborns through five year olds and their parents, has acquired the assets of JW TUMBLES, an international operator of children's gyms, via a wholly owned subsidiary. The combined entity will operate 43 locations across the globe including New York, California, Singapore and Hong Kong.

In addition to the existing Kidville "HUB and Spoke" strategy, where franchisees open a large 12,500 square ft. location and surround it with three smaller 2,850 square ft. Kidville Annex locations, approved franchisees will now be able to purchase stand-alone Kidville Annex locations, similar to that of current JW Tumbles locations...

Global Restaurant Franchisor Continues 4th Quarter Growth with Record Setting Number of New Store Openings in November

MORRISTOWN, N.J., Dec. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Villa Enterprises Management, one of the nation's fastest growing multi-concept restaurant franchisors, today announced it has acquired 6 Luciano Brickoven Pizzeria locations from the Luciano Group. Villa Enterprises will convert these stores to its Villa Fresh Italian Kitchen concept by early 2009.

"This acquisition is in line with our portfolio, and the stores are located in markets where we currently have a presence," said Anthony Scotto, CEO of Villa Enterprises. "We now have a stronger penetration in some key markets by virtue of adding locations in high-traffic tourist areas like Riverwalk Marketplace in New Orleans and marquee locations like Fashion Island in Newport Beach...

October 24, 2008 // Franchising.com // Driven Brands, Inc., the parent of Meineke Car Care Centers, Econo Lube N' Tune, AutoQual, Aero Colours, Drive N Style, and Tortal.net, announced today the acquisition of Pennsylvania-based Maaco Franchising, Inc., the market leader in franchised auto body repair and painting.

Under the visionary leadership of founder Anthony A. Martino and the superb performance of its franchisees, Maaco has achieved a market position and reputation unrivaled by its competitors. With nearly 500 facilities in the US and Canada, Maaco provides extraordinary service and value to customers with vehicles requiring cosmetic collision or paint repairs. With the passing of 75-year-old Anthony Martino in January of this year, Mark A...

Six Hotels Add Over 2,000 Rooms to IHG's Greater China Pipeline October 17, 2008 // Franchising.com // Hong Kong SAR, - Extending its leadership position in China, IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) signed a deal with Shimao Group, to open six new hotels under three brands in four cities by 2013.

This partnership sees the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms and one of China's leading real estate developers add a total of 2,100 guest rooms to IHG's Greater China pipeline which is already the largest in China. The hotels will carry the InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn® Hotels & Resorts brands.

"We are delighted to work with such a respected partner," said Andy Cosslett, chief executive, IHG PLC...

October 17, 2008 // Franchising.com // Parsippany, N.J. And Hammersmith, Uk, Group RCI, a global leader in leisure real estate and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies (NYSE: WYN), today announced that it signed its first European affiliate to its unique Rental and Exchange (R&E) Program – a pioneering product designed to give real estate developers and individual owners of second homes a source to help generate additional revenue streams. Blue C Developments with its Whiterocks resort in Cyprus, is the first European property developer to join Group RCI's R&E Program, giving it an advantage in the sale of its Mediterranean holiday homes.

Through the new R&E program, Group RCI, a long–time innovator in the leisure real estate industry, provides property developers an attractive option for facing the challenges of selling to a cautious consumer in today's unsettled economic climate...

London, United Kingdom, --(PR.com)-- BHRC has announced a collaboration with InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) on the BHRC London Hotel reservation site (http://www.bhrc.co.uk) with immediate effect. IHG hotels are now available for online booking and instant confirmation on BHRC's secure website. The current additions include the Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and Express by Holiday Inn hotel brands across London.

Commenting on the development, Jaga Amini - BHRC Head of Operations, says "At BHRC, we handpick the finest London hotels to feature on our website at the best rates available, and our regular customers have come to expect that from us. The availability of IHG hotels on BHRC's website would delight our visitors further...

SARASOTA, Fla. & OKLAHOMA CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Clockwork Home Services, Inc. (Clockwork), one of North America's fastest-growing operators of home services franchises, today announced that it has acquired Hardesty & Crick, LLC, effective October 1, 2008. This acquisition expands the reach of Clockwork's home services in the Oklahoma City area.

Hardesty & Crick, based in Oklahoma City, had 2007 revenue of $3.2 million and has 2008 projected revenue of $3.4 million. Post-acquisition, the company will operate as a fully-owned unit of Clockwork Home Services and will be managed by Deryk Ruth. As part of the agreement, the franchise will operate under the name of Hardesty Team's One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating for a transitional period and will then be branded as One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating...

New Company will be Named Wendy's/Arby's Group, Inc.
ATLANTA, Georgia & DUBLIN, Ohio -- Triarc Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRY; TRY.B), the parent company of Arby's Restaurant Group, Inc., which is the franchisor of the Arby's® restaurant system, and Wendy's International, Inc. (NYSE: WEN), announced today that they have completed their merger transaction. Effective immediately, the combined company will be named Wendy's/Arby's Group, Inc.

Roland C. Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wendy's/Arby's Group, said: "I am delighted to announce the completion of this merger, which creates a world-class company with the strength, scale and expertise necessary to thrive in a competitive restaurant environment. As one company, we are well-positioned to deliver long-term value to our stockholders through enhanced operational efficiencies, improved product offerings, shared services and strong human capital...