Private equity’s relationship with franchising has evolved well beyond traditional buy-and-build plays. Today’s investors are leveraging data analytics, brand ecosystems, and operational innovation to uncover new sources of value — reshaping what it means to be an attractive acquisition target in the franchise world. From acquisitions of multi-unit franchisees to the emergence of royalty transactions, the climate around investments in the franchise world is rapidly evolving. This session goes beyond the basics of deal readiness to explore the next frontier of PE investment in franchising. Experts will discuss how private equity is redefining performance metrics, deploying AI and technology to assess brand scalability, and responding to shifting consumer behavior, labor pressures, and ESG expectations. Learn how forward-thinking franchisors are positioning themselves not just for sale, but for strategic growth partnerships that fuel multi-brand portfolios and long-term enterprise value.