Could your franchise brand’s next major growth opportunity be waiting in Australia or New Zealand?
As franchise development in the United States becomes increasingly competitive, franchisors are exploring international markets for new opportunities. Australia and New Zealand offer established franchise markets, but successful expansion requires careful planning, strong local partnerships, and an understanding of each country’s legal and operational landscape.
In this webinar, Keith Gerson, CFE, Co-Founder of The Franchise Consortium and President of Gerson Advisory Services, moderates a discussion featuring two internationally recognized franchise experts:
- Stewart Germann, ONZM, CFE – Founder of Stewart Germann Law Office and a leading New Zealand franchise attorney with more than 40 years of experience advising franchisors on international growth.
- John O’Brien, CFE – Founder of Poolwerx, former Chairman of the Franchise Council of Australia, and an international franchise leader who has expanded Poolwerx across Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.
Together, they examine what U.S. franchise brands should consider before expanding Down Under, from evaluating market opportunities and selecting the right franchise development model to finding qualified partners and protecting long-term brand interests.
What You’ll Learn
- Understanding the Australian and New Zealand Franchise Markets: Explore the regulatory and business differences between the two countries and why U.S. franchisors cannot assume their existing franchise model will translate directly.
- Choosing the Right International Expansion Strategy: Evaluate master franchising, area development, direct unit franchising, and company-owned expansion to determine which approach best aligns with your brand’s growth objectives.
- Finding and Vetting the Right Master Franchisee: Understand what experienced international operators look for in a franchise opportunity, how to assess financial and operational capabilities, and which warning signs could indicate a poor partnership fit.
- Navigating International Franchise Laws and Compliance: Learn why trademark protection, local legal requirements, company structure, and tax considerations should be addressed before entering a new international market.
- Protecting Your Brand Through Strong Agreements: Explore the importance of development schedules, territory rights, performance requirements, governing law, dispute resolution, and exit provisions in international franchise agreements.
- Avoiding Common International Expansion Mistakes: Gain perspectives on the challenges franchisors face when entering unfamiliar markets and the preparation needed to support sustainable cross-border growth.
Key Takeaway
International franchise expansion is about more than identifying a promising market. Success depends on selecting the right development strategy, establishing partnerships with qualified local operators, and creating agreements that protect the brand while supporting long-term growth.
Whether your franchise brand is beginning to explore international opportunities or actively evaluating Australia and New Zealand, this discussion provides valuable considerations for making informed expansion decisions.
Ready to explore your next 100 units Down Under?
Watch the webinar replay to hear practical insights from experienced international franchise leaders.
Presented by The Franchise Consortium — Where responsible franchisors connect, learn, and grow.
