April 21-24, 2025, starting at 10 AM CDT each day

Let's talk growth with top dealmakers

Join Franchise Times and Restaurant Finance Monitor editors as they discuss some of the year’s biggest deals with the people who made them happen. During each one-hour session, we’ll explore amazing careers and strategies for driving growth, while learning what it takes to get these major franchise deals across the finish line.

And don’t miss the big reveal of the Franchise Times Deal of the Year!

Topics:

• M&A
• Valuation
• Financing
• Dealmakers Awards

AGENDA

Monday, April 21 • 10 - 11 a.m. CDT

Franchise Deal Activity, Valuations and Trends for 2025
How can we get the M&A market moving again? M&A experts will bring attendees up to speed on the current deal environment, and provide a mid-year update as to transaction activity.

Monday, April 21 • 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. CDT

What’s the future of the platform franchisors?
Platform franchisors—those that own and operate multiple franchise brands—are reshaping the industry. But what does the future hold for these growing enterprises? Join industry experts as we explore the evolving role of platform franchisors, their impact on franchisees, and the strategies driving their success. We’ll discuss consolidation trends, capital access, operational efficiencies, and what it all means for franchise growth.

Tuesday, April 22 • 10 - 11 a.m. CDT

A Conversation About U.S. Economic Trends and the Capital Markets
Join us for an insightful webinar exploring the key economic factors shaping the franchise landscape and the impact on the capital markets. Our expert panel will break down the latest economic factors, including tariffs, inflation, interest rates, capital availability and the risk of recession. Whether you’re expanding, raising capital, navigating operating challenges, or simply planning for the future, this session will provide valuable insights to help you make informed decisions. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain expert perspectives and enhance your financial foresight.

Tuesday, April 22 • 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. CDT

Exploring Buyers’ Appetites for Emerging Brands
These panelists will discuss what investors look for in brands to acquire, especially under 100 and even under 50 units, and explain how sellers can get a piece of the investment action.

Wednesday, April 23 • 10 - 11 a.m. CDT

Franchise Finance Outlook: Top Lenders Share What’s Ahead in 2025
Join leading franchise lenders for an in-depth discussion on the evolving credit market and its impact on franchise financing. This session will cover multi-unit credit availability, lending terms, and underwriting standards, with a look ahead to the last half of 2025. Has capital access improved and credit conditions eased? Are there opportunities for franchisees and brands?

Wednesday, April 23 • 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. CDT

M&A, Valuations and Deal Flow in Hot Sectors Like Fitness
Multi-concept platform companies and private equity firms are leading a flurry of M&A activity across popular franchise segments such as fitness, automotive services, education and wellness segments. Hear from franchisors and advisers on how they evaluate brands, how they win deals in a hot category and where they see opportunity.

Thursday, April 24 • 10 - 11 a.m. CDT

Inside the Blackstone Acquisition of Tropical Smoothie
How did Tropical Smoothie prepare itself for its $2 billion sale to Blackstone? The panel will start with a presentation of the 2025 Franchise Times Dealmakers awards.