Has anyone transitioned a franchise to private?

January 12, 2026

by a searcher from Georgetown University in Boulder, CO, USA

I haven't explored franchises in detail, but I'm curious if there are opportunities to acquire a franchise unit that's for sale, but take it off-brand after acquisition? I've found a business for sale in our area that's a franchise, and is in our industry, but I would only consider it if I could drop the franchise brand & terms, and run it independently as #2 of my existing brand.

Reply by an intermediary
from Vanderbilt University in Dallas, TX, USA

Thanks for tag. I actually went the opposite route. I had an interest in commercial cleaning as an industry. I began speaking with franchisors to essentially mine for info. Ended up really liking one brand and purchased their available territory. Was a great 8-yr run and exited at a very healthy multiple. I think people dismiss franchises but it's a great option (especially for thinly-capitalized searchers or first-time buyers).

Reply by a professional
from University of Texas at Austin in Austin, TX, USA

Hi, Peter is correct. You'd want to look at the paperwork to see if there is a non-compete and there almost always is. I'm a lawyer in this space. Let me know if I can help.

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