A franchise resale is the purchase or sale of an existing, already-operating franchise location — as opposed to signing on as a brand-new franchisee and building a location from scratch. For buyers, a resale offers an established customer base, trained staff, and real financial history to evaluate. For sellers, it’s often a faster and more predictable exit than selling an independent business, since the brand itself carries recognition and a proven operating model.
When you buy directly from a franchisor, you’re building a business from zero — securing a location, hiring and training staff, and building a customer base under the brand. A franchise resale skips that ramp-up period: you’re acquiring a location with existing cash flow, an established team, and a track record you can evaluate before you buy. That said, resales come with their own considerations — the reason the current owner is selling, the condition of existing customer relationships, and the remaining term on the franchise agreement all matter.
Unlike an independent business sale, a franchise resale involves a third party: the franchisor. The brand’s standards, systems, and ongoing fees carry over to the new owner, which can mean less flexibility but also less risk — you’re stepping into a proven operating model rather than building one yourself.
Franchise resales can’t close without the franchisor’s involvement. Sellers and buyers should expect:
Sellers should loop in the franchisor early in the process rather than after a buyer is already found — franchisor requirements can affect timeline and deal structure.
Franchise resales are frequently financed through SBA loans, since established franchise brands with a track record are often viewed favorably by lenders. See our guide: How SBA Loans Work for Business Acquisitions.
Franchise resales are generally valued using the same core methods as any other business — a multiple of SDE or EBITDA based on comparable sales — but franchise-specific factors also come into play, including brand strength, territory protections, remaining agreement term, and any royalty or marketing fund obligations that continue after the sale. See: How Do Business Brokers Value a Business.
Franchise resales involve an extra layer of complexity that independent business sales don’t — coordinating with the franchisor, navigating brand-specific transfer requirements, and structuring a deal that satisfies both the buyer/seller and the franchisor’s approval process. Truforte Business Group helps Florida buyers and sellers navigate franchise resale transactions from valuation through closing.
A franchise resale is the sale of an existing, operating franchise location from one owner to another, rather than a new franchise sold directly by the franchisor. The buyer takes over an established business with existing cash flow, staff, and customers, subject to the franchisor’s approval.
Yes, in almost all cases. Most franchise agreements require the franchisor’s consent before a location can be transferred, and the franchisor typically vets the buyer for financial qualification and may require completion of its training program.
Often, yes. Established franchise brands with a track record are frequently viewed favorably by SBA lenders. See How SBA Loans Work for Business Acquisitions.
The core valuation methods are the same, but franchise-specific factors also matter — brand strength, territory protections, the remaining term on the franchise agreement, and ongoing royalty or marketing fund obligations that transfer to the new owner.
Availability varies over time. Contact Truforte or browse our current Florida business listings to see what’s available now, or to be notified when a franchise resale opportunity matching your criteria comes to market.