Raintree Will Be a Division of FastLane; Both Are Franchise Development Firms
Franchise FastLane, a sales-focused firm that aids emerging franchises, recently acquired Raintree Franchise Growth, a brand specialist that serves franchisors. Raintree will become a division of Franchise FastLane’s portfolio.
Both are franchise development companies that help franchisors strategically expand their footprints. In its news release announcing the deal, Franchise FastLane predicted that the acquisition will ratchet up interest from brands that are poised for carefully planned and executed growth.
Reaction from Firms’ CEOs
Carey Gille, CEO and co-founder of Omaha, Neb.-based Franchise FastLane, stated in the news release that the alignment with Raintree represents “an opportunity to help even more franchisors grow.” She added that with the added resources of Raintree, “we will be in a position to deliver even more for both our brand and consultant partners through an unmatched messaging, marketing and branding experience. In combining the strength and expertise found in each of our organizations, we’re looking to provide innovative new service opportunities for expanded franchise development and other franchisor-related services.”
Gille said the companies had been discussing the acquisition for about nine months, according to a report in Franchise Times. “We started thinking about just how our strengths complement one another,” Gille told Franchise Times, “and what we could be together in terms of just stronger marketing for our consultants and our brands.”
“I’ve always watched Raintree from a distance because we have focused solely on consultant networks and generating leads to our consultant partners and growing brands with highly qualified franchisees that are referred to us from consultants,” Franchise Times quoted her as saying. Gille added that Raintree has “an omnichannel approach” that’s “very different” from FastLane’s approach.
In the news release, Raintree CEO Brent Dowling said that the acquisition will benefit franchisees as well as franchisors. “This is a big move, for not just us and our franchisor partners,” Dowling said, “but for future and current franchisees” who aspire to build generational wealth.
FastLane and Raintree’s Operations
Franchise FastLane and Raintree rely on lead generation provided by franchise brokerages and franchise consultants. Franchise FastLane and Raintree have said they will enhance and strengthen those relationships via top-notch marketing and technology.
The acquisition of Raintree brings new brands to Franchise Fastlane’s network, including Dog Training Elite, Footprints Floors, Hounds Town and Toastique. FastLane’s many brands include Conserva Irrigation, DonutNV, Koala Insulation, Mosquito Shield, Superior Fence & Rail, Wallaby Windows and Zoom Drain.
About the Companies
Six-year-old Franchise FastLane manages franchisee sales from initial lead generation to prospect qualification and ultimately to closure of the franchise sale. FastLane assists franchisors with fine-tuning their discovery processes and bringing forward qualified franchisees.
Raintree handles comprehensive franchise development. Services include design, digital lead generation, consultant network management and sales. Raintree, approximately 10 years old, has awarded more than 2,500 franchises and has taken 12 brands across the 100-unit mark.
FastLane’s acquisition of Raintree was backed by Southfield Capital, a private equity firm that takes stakes in growing lower middle-market companies. The acquisition was finished June 30.