Franchising | UK

Bird & Bird is recognised as having a leading franchising practice that helps household-name brands build and develop national and international franchise networks. It regularly acts for restaurant chains, fashion labels and retailers of all types. It is also active in the establishment of school franchises in overseas markets.

Fieldfisher maintains a superlative franchising practice that is able to advise international brands on restructuring exercises, M&A, disputes and other commercial issues. It possesses a strong domestic practice, working on behalf of established UK brands and smaller companies. The team regularly acts for household names in retail, hospitality, education and media.

IBB Law acquired Owen White in 2023. It offers expert advice on all manner of franchising matters including litigation, resale and master licence agreements, sales and transfers. The team regularly acts for businesses in traditional sectors such as retail and leisure, but also domiciliary care, commercial cleaning and residential lettings.

Dentons offers a range of legal services needed by franchise companies, from master franchise agreements and unit franchise agreements, to franchise disclosure documents, franchise-specific competition law advice, joint ventures, data privacy and disputes.

The DLA Piper franchise team is known for undertaking complex and strategic work for a considerable number of high-profile, predominantly multinational clients.

Stevens & Bolton is a full-service outfit providing a multidisciplinary commercial service to international franchisees and franchisors. It has strong real estate and IP practices that support notable brands across a wide range of industries. It has particular experience acting for clients in retail and the restaurant trade. The team is well versed in international expansion issues and franchise disputes.