Why Sell with Highwater Partners A National Business Broker & Franchise M&A Advisory for Franchise Owners

When franchise owners search for the best business broker to sell a franchise, they are not just looking for someone to list a business. They are looking for a firm that understands franchise systems, buyer qualification, valuation discipline, and transaction execution—and one that can deliver real results in a competitive, highly scrutinized market.

Highwater Partners was built specifically for that purpose. We are a national business brokerage and M&A advisory firm representing franchise owners and independent multi-unit operators across restaurants, wellness, fitness, beauty, and pet services. Our role is not simply to introduce buyers—it is to protect value, control the process, and manage the transaction from listing through close.

Franchise Resale Requires a Specialized Business Broker

Selling a franchise business is fundamentally different from selling a non-franchise company.

A qualified franchise business broker must understand:

• Franchisor approval and transfer requirements

• Brand-specific buyer qualifications

• Unit economics, royalty structures, and system obligations

• Lease assignment and landlord coordination

• SBA and conventional lender expectations

• Disclosure, confidentiality, and compliance standards

Many general business brokers lack this experience. At Highwater Partners, franchise resale and M&A advisory is our core focus.

Maximum Listing Exposure Through Strategic Co-Brokerage

One of the most important—and misunderstood—advantages of working with Highwater Partners is our co-brokerage model.

Unlike many business brokerage firms that keep listings internal, we actively co-broker.

What this means for sellers:

• Your franchise listing is exposed to far more qualified buyers

• We leverage a national network of over 110 professional business brokers

• Listings reach buyers who may already be active within your brand or category

• Exposure is expanded without sacrificing control or professionalism

Co-brokering increases competition, which is one of the most effective ways to support value and deal momentum.

Buyer Vetting Remains Centralized and Disciplined

While we co-broker for exposure, we do not delegate responsibility.

Highwater Partners:

• Personally vets buyers for financial capacity and experience

• Screens for franchisor qualification standards

• Controls communication flow

• Manages offers, negotiations, and timelines

• Coordinates directly with the franchisor throughout the transfer process

This ensures sellers receive maximum exposure without losing control of the transaction.

Deep Buyer Reach Across Franchise Industries

Highwater Partners maintains access to:

• A proprietary database of 100,000+ qualified franchisees and private equity investors

• Multi-unit operators actively expanding across categories

• Buyers transitioning between restaurants, wellness, fitness, beauty, and pet services

• Strategic buyers seeking platform and portfolio acquisitions

Because we operate across multiple franchise sectors, we routinely connect sellers with cross-industry buyers—operators who already understand franchise systems and are actively deploying capital.

Institutional-Quality Valuation and Deal Preparation

Pricing a franchise correctly is one of the most critical factors in achieving a successful sale.

We apply:

• Normalized SDE and EBITDA analysis

• Brand-specific valuation benchmarks

• Lease and real estate review

• Labor, margin, and cash flow sustainability analysis

• Buyer and lender defensibility standards

Our valuation process is designed to withstand scrutiny from:

• Sophisticated buyers

• Franchisors

• SBA and conventional lenders

This reduces renegotiation risk and increases closing probability.

End-to-End Transaction Management

Highwater Partners manages the transaction from initial strategy through closing, including:

• Confidential marketing and buyer outreach

• Offer structuring and negotiation

• Buyer qualification and franchisor coordination

• Lender, CPA, and attorney communication

• Timeline management and issue resolution

Sellers benefit from one centralized advisory team overseeing the entire process.

Why Franchise Owners Choose Highwater Partners

Franchise owners work with Highwater Partners because we offer:

• Elite business brokers with deep franchise and M&A experience

• National exposure through strategic co-brokerage

• Disciplined buyer vetting and transaction control

• Direct franchisor coordination

• Cross-industry buyer access

• A professional, execution-focused advisory approach

We do not operate as a volume-driven brokerage. We operate as a transaction-focused advisory firm.

Who We Represent

We represent:

• Single-unit franchise owners

• Independent multi-unit operators

• Regional franchise groups

• Select non-public franchisors and emerging franchise systems

• Established brands within categories such as:

  • Restaurants and hospitality

  • Wellness and massage

  • Fitness and boutique studios

  • Beauty and aesthetics

  • Pet services

Considering Selling Your Franchise Business?

If you are searching for:

• A business broker to sell your franchise

• A restaurant business broker

• A franchise resale advisor

• A firm that offers maximum listing exposure with disciplined execution

Then it is time to speak with Highwater Partners.

Speak with a Franchise Business Broker

Highwater Partners

National Business Brokerage & Franchise M&A Advisory

Call: 714.330.9999