How social franchising is bringing jobs to the developing world

http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/232260 

McDonald's CEO steps down

See: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-01-28/mcdonald-s-names-steve-easterbrook-ceo-as-thompson-steps-down

Will they be able to turn around: See: stock market performance of the company

Mobile Device Repair Franchise iDropped to Grow in 2015

CRANTON, Pa. — Only one year after launching its franchise opportunity, the mobile device repair company iDropped is looking to increase its number of franchise retail locations eightfold in 2015, growing the brand to more than 14 total stores throughout five states.
Capitalizing on the 90 percent of Americans who own a cell phone, iDropped has perfected the franchise model to provide fast, on-site mobile device repair for the most popular brands of mobile technologies. The business is seeing an uptick in franchise inquiries, fueled by the overall growth of the franchise industry. According to the International Franchise Association’s recently released Franchise Business Economic Outlook: 2015, franchise businesses are expected to outpace the rest of the economy in overall growth for the fifth consecutive year.
“After building five successful corporate locations, we adopted a franchise business model to further expand iDropped’s high-quality services,” said Charles Hibble iDropped CEO and co-founder. “We focused on providing guaranteed repairs to the daily technologies people can’t live without, carving a niche in the franchise industry as the most trusted brand in mobile device repair.”
The total initial investment for iDropped ranges from $67,650-$129,900, which includes the initial franchise fee and grand opening paid advertisements. A military discount is available to qualified applicants. Franchise partners have access to premium part suppliers, distributors and other vendors to ensure customers receive uniform, quality repairs at every location.
The company is seeking franchise partners with an entrepreneurial spirit and interest in technology in New York, New Jersey, Michigan and Georgia. To learn more about the company and franchising opportunities visit: www.idropped.com.
About iDropped
As a mobile device repair company, iDropped repairs damaged iPhones, iPads, iPods, Galaxy devices and laptop computers. As technology advances, the company strives to adapt and continually learn device repairs. iDropped is committed to providing the best service, quality products and repairs and offers a one year guarantee on all parts and labor. iDropped was founded in 2012 and is currently seeking franchise partners across the United States. For additional information about iDropped and its franchising opportunities, please visit: www.idropped.com.

Read more here: http://www.heraldonline.com/2015/02/03/6761579_mobile-device-repair-franchise.html?rh=1#storylink=cpy

United States: Reasonable Reliance Under The Minnesota Franchise Act

http://www.briggs.com/insights-publications-Franchise-Antitrust-Distribution-And-Dealer-Newsletter-Fall-2014.html?utm_source=Mondaq&utm_medium=syndication&utm_campaign=View-Original

Wendy's to sell 500 restaurants to franchisees

Wendy's, the No. 3 U.S. hamburger chain by sales, said it would sell about 500 restaurants to franchisees and reduce company ownership of its outlets to about 5 percent by mid-2016.
Wendy's, known for its square beef burgers and thick "Frosty" milkshakes, has been selling company-owned restaurants to franchisees to cut costs and fund a long-term image overhaul.
Read MoreWendy's meets 4Q profit forecasts


The company, which sold 237 restaurants to franchisees in 2014, owned 957 of 6,515 Wendy's branded restaurants as of Dec. 28.The sale of the 500 restaurants is expected to generate pretax proceeds of $400 million to $475 million and significantly reduce capital expenditure requirements, Wendy's said in a statement on Tuesday.

 

Wendy's, like market leader McDonald's, has been struggling in an increasingly competitive fast-food market, losing out to casual dining restaurants such as Chipotle Mexican Grill and Panera Bread, which offer consumers a wider choice of healthy options.

Same-restaurant sales at company-owned restaurants rose 1.9 percent in the fourth quarter from a year earlier, less than the 2.4 percent increase estimated by analysts polled by research firm Consensus Metrix.

The company also estimated revenue of $502 million for the quarter ended Dec. 28, below analysts' average forecast of $509.1 million, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.
Wendy's estimated fourth-quarter net income of $23.3 million, or 6 cents per share, attributable to the company. Excluding items, adjusted profit was estimated at 10 cents per share, in line with the average analyst estimate.
The company forecast a 2015 adjusted profit of 33 cents to 35 cents per share, below analysts' average estimate of 39 cents. The forecast includes the previously announced sale of its 100 remaining restaurants in Canada to franchisees.

Read MoreFast food vs better burger: Inside the burger wars

Wendy's said it and its franchisees would build 80 restaurants in 2015 and remodel 450.
The company said it plans to release its final results on or before Feb. 26.
Wendy's shares were untraded before the bell. Up to Monday's close of $10.41, the stock had risen 15 percent in the last 12 months.