While mergers and acquisitions have slowed since 2021, the franchise business model remains attractive to private equity investors. However, with interest rates still high and the threat of recession still looming, private equity investors have become more risk averse, often requiring longer and more rigorous due diligence periods. With that in mind, Corporate Partner Dale Cohen has written a new article published by The Legal 500 that highlights five hot topics and emerging issues that should be included in due diligence during a franchise merger or acquisition. The topics discussed are:

• SNO counts
• Supply chain
• Non-compete agreements and IP protection
• Applicable joint employer standards
• Data privacy