IFA Acquisition of Franchise Update Media

In a significant move that will shape the future of franchising, the International Franchise Association (IFA) has announced its acquisition of Franchise Update Media, a long-standing leader in franchise news, education, and events. This deal, expected to close by the end of the year, will bring the highly regarded Multi-Unit Franchising Conference and Multi-Unit Franchisee Magazine under the IFA umbrella. This strategic acquisition will expand the IFA’s media holdings and solidify its leadership in the franchising sector. But what does this mean for the industry at large? Let’s dive into the details.

What is the IFA’s Acquisition of Franchise Update Media?

The International Franchise Association (IFA) has long been a cornerstone in the franchising world, providing resources, advocacy, and education for franchisees and franchisors alike. By acquiring Franchise Update Media, the IFA is positioning itself to expand its influence in franchise-related education and events. Founded 37 years ago by Gary Gardner and Therese Thilgen, Franchise Update Media has made a name for itself as a trusted partner in franchising news and education.

The acquisition includes Franchise Update Media’s key events like the Multi-Unit Franchising Conference and its popular publications, such as Multi-Unit Franchisee Magazine. In addition to these marquee brands, the IFA will also gain access to numerous other educational resources and market intelligence products that have become staples for franchise professionals.

Why is this Acquisition Significant?

Franchising is a rapidly evolving industry, and staying competitive requires constant innovation and a forward-thinking approach. The IFA’s acquisition of Franchise Update Media is a major step in this direction, allowing the association to better serve its members by expanding its educational offerings and event portfolio.

According to Matt Haller, President and CEO of the IFA, this move is about growth and consolidation. Rather than building a new event from scratch and competing with established ones, the IFA has chosen to strengthen its position by acquiring a well-established brand. “Ultimately, we want to build a bigger tent for our advocacy work,” Haller said, highlighting the association’s goal of expanding its influence in the franchising community.

The Strategic Importance of the Multi-Unit Franchising Conference

The Multi-Unit Franchising Conference is one of the most influential events in the franchising world, providing a unique platform for multi-unit franchisees, franchisors, and vendors to come together, share insights, and explore new business opportunities. By acquiring this event, the IFA gains a powerful tool to engage with multi-unit franchisees, a key demographic in the franchising landscape.

The conference attracts some of the biggest names in franchising, and its acquisition allows the IFA to expand its educational reach. This will also align well with the IFA’s Responsible Franchising Initiative, which focuses on ethical and sustainable business practices in the franchising sector.

Multi-Unit Franchisee Magazine: A Key Asset

In addition to the conference, the acquisition of Multi-Unit Franchisee Magazine will enhance the IFA’s media offerings. The magazine is widely respected in the industry for its in-depth coverage of franchise opportunities, market trends, and leadership profiles. With this addition, the IFA will be able to offer its members even more value by providing them with timely and relevant information tailored to the multi-unit franchising space.

A Long-Awaited Partnership

While other companies and private equity firms have made offers to acquire Franchise Update Media, founders Gary Gardner and Therese Thilgen saw the IFA as the ideal partner. Gardner mentioned that other offers were “transactional plays” focused on profit rather than the long-term future of franchising. In contrast, the IFA’s mission aligns closely with the goals of Franchise Update Media, particularly in its efforts to promote responsible franchising.

Gardner and Thilgen will remain involved with Franchise Update Media for at least the next three years, ensuring a smooth transition and continued growth of the brand. After that, they plan to stay active in the franchising community, a testament to their long-standing commitment to the industry.

Building on a Legacy of Leadership

One of the key reasons this acquisition is so impactful is because of Franchise Update Media’s role as a strategic partner in the development of major franchise conferences. The company has played an instrumental role in the creation and growth of the Franchise Leadership and Development Conference and the Franchise Customer Experience Conference, both of which are essential for educating and empowering franchise professionals.

By acquiring Franchise Update Media, the IFA gains control over these events, further solidifying its position as the leading provider of education and resources in the franchising world.

The IFA’s Growing Role in Franchise Events

The acquisition of Franchise Update Media comes at a time when the IFA is looking to expand its role in the franchise event space. For years, the IFA partnered with MFV Expositions to host the International Franchise Expo in New York City. However, that partnership has since ended, and the IFA has announced a new collaboration with Fortem International to launch the IFA World Franchise Show.

Set to take place from May 9-10, 2025, at the Miami Beach Convention Center, the IFA World Franchise Show will feature franchise exhibitors and educational sessions aimed at prospective franchise buyers. This event marks a new chapter for the IFA, allowing it to take full control over franchisee education and further engage with the global franchising community.

According to Matt Haller, the IFA plans to “breathe fresh energy into the expo environment” with this new event, which will be a major platform for both emerging and established franchises.

Fortem International Partnership

The partnership with Fortem International is another strategic move by the IFA to expand its influence in the franchising world. Fortem is known for its global expertise in organizing large-scale events, and this collaboration will bring a new level of professionalism and innovation to the franchise expo space.

With the IFA World Franchise Show, the association aims to provide a more dynamic and engaging experience for franchise buyers, offering them access to cutting-edge education and networking opportunities. This will further position the IFA as the go-to resource for franchisees looking to grow their businesses.

What This Means for the Future of Franchising

The IFA’s acquisition of Franchise Update Media is a game-changer for the franchising industry. By bringing the Multi-Unit Franchising Conference and Multi-Unit Franchisee Magazine under its umbrella, the IFA will be able to offer even more value to its members. The acquisition also aligns with the IFA’s broader mission of promoting responsible franchising and providing franchisees with the tools and resources they need to succeed.

As the franchising industry continues to grow and evolve, the IFA’s expanded event portfolio and media holdings will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the sector. Franchisees and franchisors alike will benefit from the IFA’s enhanced educational offerings, which will be more comprehensive and accessible than ever before.

Key Takeaways

• The acquisition of Franchise Update Media is a major milestone for the IFA, allowing it to expand its influence in the franchising industry.
• The Multi-Unit Franchising Conference and Multi-Unit Franchisee Magazine are key assets that will enhance the IFA’s educational and event offerings.
• The acquisition aligns with the IFA’s mission of promoting responsible franchising and providing franchisees with the tools and resources they need to succeed.
• The IFA’s new partnership with Fortem International and the launch of the IFA World Franchise Show mark a new chapter in the association’s efforts to expand its role in franchise events.

Conclusion

The IFA’s acquisition of Franchise Update Media is a significant development that will have a lasting impact on the franchising industry. By bringing together two of the most influential organizations in the sector, this deal will create new opportunities for franchisees and franchisors alike. With an expanded event portfolio and enhanced educational offerings, the IFA is well-positioned to lead the franchising community into the future.

As the IFA continues to grow and evolve, its commitment to responsible franchising and franchisee education will remain at the forefront of its mission. The acquisition of Franchise Update Media is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting new chapter for the IFA and the franchising industry as a whole.