Mergers, Acquisitions and Investment Activity Underscore Franchising’s Strong First Quarter
The first quarter of 2026 has come and gone, and one thing is clear: franchising is thriving. According to the International Franchise Association’s (IFA) Franchising Economic Outlook report, the economic output of franchised businesses is projected to top $921.4 billion in 2026 — an increase of 1.6% from $907.3 billion in 2025. Franchising’s share of the economy is also expected to support nearly 8.9 million jobs by the end of the year, reflecting an increase of more than 150,000 positions.
With momentum like that, it is not surprising that passionate entrepreneurs are continuing to gravitate towards franchising’s proven business model. The IFA forecasts that 12,000 franchised U.S. businesses will launch this year alone.
Many franchised businesses are fostering national growth and improving operations by partnering with private equity firms and aligning with complementary brands — whether through mergers and acquisitions or by securing strategic capital.
Below is a listing of franchise mergers and acquisitions from Q1 of 2026.
March 2026 Franchise Mergers and Acquisitions
- Justin Nihiser, Barry Gibson and Matt Rogers — former executives at the Code Ninja franchise — teamed up to acquire WonderPlay Brands. WonderPlay Brands is the parent company of Kidcreate Studio, a children’s art enrichment franchise offering hands-on art and science classes, camps and parties.
- United Franchise Group (UFG), a global leader in franchise development, consulting and business expansion, took full ownership of the Transworld Business Advisors business brokerage firm.
- UFG also sold Vast Coworking Group to New State Capital Partners.
- Next Phase Capital, a Tennessee-based growth investment firm led by in-home health care franchisor BrightStar Care founder Shelly Sun Berkowitz, was the lead investor in a funding round for the Clementine’s Ice Cream franchise.
- BoeFly, a financial technology platform specializing in franchise solutions, and Spadea Lignana, a national franchise law firm, announced a strategic partnership.
- The Monomoy Capital Partners private investment firm entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Jiffy Lube, a leading quick lube and automotive service franchisor.
- Princeton Equity Group announced that it purchased KidStrong, a franchise concept that builds children’s academic, athletic and social skills through a science-based curriculum.
- KKR, a private equity firm, made a sweet $2 billion deal to acquire Nothing Bundt Cakes.
- Franchise FastLane, a turn-key franchise sales organization, became the new parent company of the Franchise Creator consulting firm.
February 2026 Franchise Mergers and Acquisitions
- The International Franchise Professionals Group (IFPG), a leading franchise growth platform serving more than 1,500 franchisors, franchise consultants and vendor partners, acquired Franchise Business Review (FBR). FBR data helps IFPG members make educated decisions.
- Buddy’s Home Furnishings entered a new chapter of growth when it was acquired by Skyline Investors.
- A Place At Home, a nonmedical, in-home care franchise, was acquired by Switzerland-based Dovida, an international home care services provider.
- Valhallan Esports purchased XP League, a youth-focused gaming company, from Unleashed Brands.
- Four Wall Partners, an investment firm founded by former Dave’s Hot Chicken CEO Bill Phelps and multi-brand franchisee Andrew Feghali, took a stake in Mike’s Red Tacos.
- CapitalSpring invested in Alloy Personal Training to accelerate the fitness brand’s growth.
- Hiking Adventures With Kids, referred to as HAWKs, kickstarted the year off with an investment from Post Investment Group.
- PCJ Holdings became the new owner of the Port City Java coffee franchise.
January 2026 Franchise Mergers and Acquisitions
- Transworld Business Advisors, a leading business brokerage firm, started 2026 by entering a strategic partnership with BizScout, a small business acquisition marketplace and data platform.
- Brightwood Capital announced its acquisition of the Museum of Illusions franchise from Invera Capital Partners.
- HomeWell Care Services, an in-home senior care franchise, was acquired by Main Post Partners.
- Golub Capital and Audax Strategic Capital provided financing to Strickland Brothers, an automobile quick-lube service franchisor.
- Princeton Equity Group invested in Amped Fitness.
- Pork processor Smithfield Foods purchased the iconic Nathan’s Famous franchise for $450 million.
- The Transom Capital Group private equity firm acquired WellBiz Brands from KSL Capital. WellBiz Brands is a franchisor of beauty and wellness brands, including Drybar, Amazing Lash Studio, Elements Massage, Fitness Together and Radiant Waxing.
