Franchisors Look North

Financial Post:

U.S. franchise corporations have always eyed Canada for expansion — its geographic proximity and similar language and culture make it a natural fit — but going north of the border wasn’t always a top priority.

“You know it’s on their list somewhere after Wyoming, Alaska… Canada,” says Larry Weinberg, a Toronto franchise lawyer who recently co-chaired the American Bar Association’s Annual Forum on Franchising in Toronto.

A trend appears to be emerging among U.S.-based franchisors to target the Canadian market first for international expansion. A slow-to-recover U.S. economy, combined with Canada’s relative strength during the recession, seems to be luring franchise operators to Canada.

“Now they’re thinking differently,” Mr. Weinberg says. “I think the word is getting out that Canada is a good place to do business.”

Read more.

Photo: Walter Tychnowicz / Canwest News Service.

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