We help brands expand, protect and transform their business models across the world's markets through franchising, distribution, licensing, joint ventures and direct investment. From emerging concepts to some of the world's most recognized brands, we provide integrated legal and commercial advice across every stage of the growth lifecycle.
Whether entering one market or fifty, we help brands evaluate expansion models, navigate local regulations and implement scalable international growth strategies through our integrated global team.
Baker McKenzie’s Global Franchise, Distribution and Brand Expansion Practice includes a cross-disciplinary team of 50+ lawyers located across our US and international offices.
How we can help
Growth and transformation strategies
- Market entry and international expansion
- Franchise and distribution system design and implementation
- Licensing, distribution and dealer networks
- Mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures and strategic alliances
Proactive brand protection, risk management and compliance
- Regulatory compliance and investigations
- Franchise mediation, disputes and arbitration
- Restructuring, terminations and insolvency issues
- Compliance programs, audits and training
Representative matters
- Represent leading franchised brands (including casual dining, fast casual and quick service restaurants, entertainment centers, hotels, fitness clubs, car rental companies, retail stores and service businesses) in their international franchise, joint venture and other international matters on a global level.
- Advise franchised brands in connection with the restructuring of large, multijurisdictional franchisees preparing to undergo initial public offerings, private equity investments, sales or other strategic transactions.
- Served as the primary outside counsel on one of largest hotel franchise transactions ever completed by global hotel company involving the conversion of 20+ all-inclusive hotel properties in the Caribbean and Latin America to various brands owned by the hotel company.
- Represented a leading coffeehouse chain in connection with the restructuring and sale of a majority stake in its China business, converting over 8,000 stores from company-owned to franchised.
- Represented a private equity company in the acquisition one of the largest water treatment companies in the world that operates under a franchise/dealership model.
- Assisted a leading quick service restaurant brand in opening new markets for company-owned and direct franchised locations.
Why Baker McKenzie
- Leaders in our field - We are active in the International Franchise Association, ABA Forum on Franchising and the International Bar Association, and are recognized as industry leaders locally, nationally and internationally by Chambers Global, Chambers USA, the International Who's Who of Franchise Lawyers and Franchise Times.
- Globally recognized practice expertise - We are ranked Band 1 Global Market Leaders in Franchising by Chambers Global, with more ranked attorneys than any other firm.
- Forefront of franchising - Our deep and longtime connections in the franchise legal and business communities uniquely position us to provide cutting-edge advice and insight.
- Unparalleled depth and breadth - Supported by a team of highly qualified commercial, compliance, IP, privacy, cybersecurity, antitrust/competition, dispute resolution, corporate, tax and employment lawyers around the world, we are equipped to address all of your franchising and distribution needs.
