Sell Your Franchise Business with Confidence

Complimentary Franchise Valuations from Highwater Partners

Selling a franchise business is a significant financial decision that requires specialized expertise. Franchise resale is fundamentally different from selling an independent business, and choosing the right business broker directly impacts valuation, buyer quality, and transaction outcome.

Highwater Partners is a national business brokerage and M&A advisory firm specializing in the sell-side representation of franchise owners and independent multi-unit operators. We work exclusively within the franchise ecosystem, representing owners across multiple sectors including restaurants, wellness, fitness, beauty, and pet services.

A Business Broker Built for Franchise Resale

Highwater Partners was designed to serve franchise owners who expect a higher level of execution. Our role is not simply advisory—we act as the business broker representing sellers, managing valuation, buyer exposure, and the transaction process from start to finish.

Franchise resale requires a broker who understands:

• Franchisor approval processes

• Buyer qualification standards

• Unit economics and brand-specific risk

• Multi-unit portfolio dynamics

• Timing, structure, and execution

Our firm operates nationally and works with franchise owners at every stage—from early planning through completed sale.

Market-Based Franchise Valuations

Accurate valuation is the foundation of a successful franchise sale. At Highwater Partners, we deliver market-based valuations informed by deep franchise expertise and extensive experience representing franchise owners nationwide.

Our valuations consider:

• Brand performance and system strength

• Unit-level cash flow and margins

• Owner involvement and management structure

• Lease terms and real estate considerations

• Scalability within the franchise system

• Comparable franchise resales in the current market

This approach reflects how qualified buyers actually evaluate franchise businesses, not theoretical multiples or generic benchmarks.

Unmatched Buyer Reach and Listing Exposure

One of the primary reasons franchise owners choose Highwater Partners is access to buyers.

We maintain a proprietary database of 100,000+ highly qualified buyers, including:

• Franchise operators

• Independent multi-unit groups

• Regional and national franchise platforms

• Private equity investors active in franchise acquisitions

In addition, Highwater Partners works with a network of more than 110 business brokers across the United States, allowing listings to be co-brokered strategically and exposed to a significantly broader buyer universe—while maintaining disciplined control over buyer vetting, confidentiality, and process management.

This structure creates maximum listing exposure without sacrificing quality or execution.

A Disciplined Sell-Side Process

Unlike many business brokerage firms, Highwater Partners operates with a sell-side M&A mindset. We manage the transaction process in a structured, professional manner designed to protect sellers and maximize value.

When franchise owners choose to sell, our role includes:

• Strategic pricing and positioning

• Buyer outreach and qualification

• Coordination with franchisors

• Offer evaluation and negotiation

• Transaction management through closing

Every step is designed to reduce friction, maintain momentum, and support a successful outcome.

No Obligation. Clear Perspective.

Our complimentary franchise valuations are provided with no obligation and no expectation to sell. Many franchise owners engage with us simply to gain clarity and understand where their business stands in the current market.

Common questions we help answer include:

• What is my franchise business worth today?

• How do buyers evaluate my franchise concept?

• What factors most directly influence valuation?

• How does my business compare to similar franchise resales?

• What steps could improve value over time?

The goal is clarity—so you can plan thoughtfully and make informed decisions with confidence.

Who We Work With

Highwater Partners represents:

• Single-unit franchise owners

• Independent multi-unit operators

• Regional franchise groups

Our clients operate across restaurant, wellness, fitness, beauty, and pet service brands and value experienced representation from a firm that understands franchise transactions at a high level.

Request a Complimentary Franchise Valuation

If you are exploring the sale of a franchise business—or would like a clear, market-based understanding of value—we invite you to connect with Highwater Partners.

Schedule a Complimentary Valuation 714.330.9999

FAQ – Franchise Business Brokerage & Valuation

What does a franchise business broker do?

A franchise business broker represents franchise owners in the sale of their business. This includes valuation, buyer outreach, buyer qualification, coordination with franchisors, offer negotiation, and transaction management through closing.

How is a franchise business valued?

Franchise businesses are valued based on cash flow, unit economics, brand strength, operational structure, lease terms, and how qualified buyers evaluate risk and scalability within a franchise system. Market-based valuations reflect current transaction activity and comparable franchise resales.

Do I need a business broker to sell my franchise?

While not required, most franchise owners benefit from working with a business broker who understands franchise resale, buyer qualification, and franchisor approval requirements. Proper representation often leads to better pricing, stronger buyers, and smoother execution.

Does Highwater Partners only work with restaurants?

No. Highwater Partners represents franchise owners across multiple sectors, including restaurants, wellness, fitness, beauty, and pet services. Our expertise spans a wide range of franchise concepts.

How does Highwater Partners find buyers for franchise businesses?

Highwater Partners maintains a proprietary database of 100,000+ highly qualified buyers, including franchise operators, independent multi-unit groups, regional platforms, and private equity investors active across multiple franchise sectors.

In addition, we work closely with a national in-network group of more than 110 experienced business brokers, expanding access to qualified buyers already seeking franchise acquisition opportunities. This layered buyer reach ensures listings are exposed to serious, well-capitalized buyers aligned with franchise resale criteria.

Does Highwater Partners co-broker franchise listings? What does that mean for sellers?

Yes. Highwater Partners actively co-brokers franchise listings as part of a seller-first strategy designed to maximize qualified buyer exposure.

Co-brokering means that, in addition to our internal buyer outreach and broker network, we work with business brokers nationwide who represent qualified buyers, rather than limiting listings to a closed internal system. This allows franchise businesses to be exposed to a significantly broader universe of serious buyers.

Unlike many traditional brokerages that keep deals in-house, our co-broker approach expands reach while maintaining disciplined buyer vetting, confidentiality, and centralized transaction management. All buyer communication, franchisor coordination, and deal execution remain professionally managed on behalf of the seller.

The result is broader demand, stronger buyer competition, and improved outcomes for franchise owners.

Is the franchise valuation really complimentary?

Yes. Our valuations are provided with no obligation and no expectation to sell. The purpose is to provide clarity and insight so franchise owners can make informed decisions.

When is the right time to sell a franchise business?

The right time varies by owner, brand, and market conditions. Many franchise owners begin with a valuation to understand timing, value drivers, and potential outcomes before making any decisions.

What are common mistakes franchise owners make when selling their business?

One of the most common mistakes franchise owners make is waiting until performance has declined before exploring a sale. Businesses are typically valued more favorably when sales and profitability are stable or improving, not when an owner feels pressured by declining results.

Another frequent issue is incomplete or poorly organized financial records. Buyers expect clear, consistent profit and loss statements, clean bookkeeping, and a well-documented operating history. Inaccurate or disorganized financials can delay a transaction, reduce buyer confidence, or negatively impact valuation.

Additional common missteps include underestimating the importance of franchisor approval, mispricing the business based on rules of thumb rather than market conditions, and engaging buyers before the business is properly positioned for sale.

Working with an experienced franchise business broker early—often beginning with a valuation—allows owners to address these issues proactively, strengthen positioning, and approach the market from a position of clarity rather than urgency.