Why Choose Alliance Franchise Brands?

Selling your business is a significant decision, and we understand the importance of finding the right buyer. At Alliance Franchise Brands, we offer a comprehensive and hassle-free process designed to maximize your business’s value and ensure a smooth transition.

Why Choose Us?

Proven Expertise: With over 45 years of experience in franchising, we have a deep understanding of the print and sign industry.
Extensive Network: Our vast network of franchise brokers and potential buyers ensures you’ll connect with serious, qualified buyers.
No Broker Fees: Save money with our zero-commission structure, allowing you to keep more of your sale proceeds.
Confidentiality: We handle every step with the utmost discretion, protecting your business information and interests.

Businesses sold in 2023

Average 2023 Selling Price

Franchising since

Franchise Locations

Our Simple 7-Step Selling Process

Free Consultation: Meet with an Alliance Franchise Brands team member to learn more about our MatchMaker Program and determine if it’s the right fit for you to sell your business.

Information Gathering: We’ll collect essential documents to showcase your business’s value to potential buyers. This includes a confidentiality agreement/NDA, Business Profile, Profit & Loss Statements from the previous three years, and an Owner’s Discretionary Income (ODI) worksheet.

Business Valuation: Our team conducts a thorough valuation and helps you set a competitive go-to-market price. You will then sign our Buyer Referral Agreement, and we will prepare an Executive Summary to present to potential buyers.

Marketing Your Business: Leverage our extensive network and digital marketing expertise to find the perfect buyer for your print or sign business.

Screening Buyers: We meticulously screen potential buyers to ensure they’re financially qualified and a good fit for your business culture.

Negotiation and Closing: We’ll connect you with qualified buyers, negotiate the sale, and guide you through the due diligence closing process.

Smooth Transition: Enjoy peace of mind while your buyer attends Alliance University, receiving comprehensive training and support through our New Franchise Member Training.

We understand that selling your company is more than a business decision.

Partner With Us Today!

Are you ready to sell your business?

Deciding to sell your business is a major milestone and involves thoughtful planning. It’s important to evaluate all your options to ensure the best outcome for your hard work. Whether you choose to list the business yourself, hire a local broker, or partner with a trusted organization, understanding each pathway can help you make an informed decision.

Factors	Selling on Your Own	Listing with a Local Business Broker	Partnering with Alliance Franchise Brands
Marketing Reach	Limited to personal network and local advertising. Cost: $1,000+	Broader reach through broker’s network and channels. Cost varies by broker $0 – $3000+	Extensive reach through our established network of franchise brokers, internet advertising and industry-specific marketing strategies. Cost: FREE
Business Valuation	Owner’s estimation, potentially less accurate. Or pay for professional business valuation. Cost: $500-$5,000	Professional valuation services, but may not specialize in print and sign businesses. Cost: varies by broker $0 – $1500, may be included in broker fees of 10 – 12%	Specialized and proven valuation tailored to the print and sign industry. Cost: FREE
Agreements Needed	No Agreement	Agreement with local business broker	Agreement with Alliance Franchise Brands
Potential Buyers Pool	Local business opportunity seekers	Local business opportunity seekers	Local business opportunity seekers and local franchise seekers
Broker or Advisory Fees Cost of Selling	Lower upfront cost but may lead to lower sale price. Cost: varies based on CPA/Advisory Fees	Broker fees can be significant, often a percentage of the sale price. Cost: typically 10-12% of sale price	NO broker fees or commissions with potential for higher overall value through AFB’s expertise. Cost: FREE
Time Investment	High; owner must handle all aspects of the sale including interviewing, qualifying and vetting potential buyers all while still running the business.	Moderate; broker handles many tasks but owner remains involved.	Low; AFB manages the entire process, allowing owners to focus on their business until the sale.
Confidentiality	Harder to maintain; risk of employees, vendors or customers finding out.	High level of confidentiality maintained throughout the process.	High level of confidentiality maintained throughout the process.
Expertise and Support	Limited; owner must rely on personal knowledge and resources on how to sell a business.	Access to broker’s expertise but varies by individual broker.	Comprehensive support from our team of experts with extensive industry knowledge having assisted over 400 independent business owners to successfully exit their businesses.
Due Diligence	Owner must manage all due diligence, potentially missing critical details.	Broker assists but may not cover all industry-specific nuances.	Thorough and detailed due diligence assisted by our experienced team.
Buyer Training	Seller’s Responsibility	Seller’s Responsibility	We provide training and support for all new Franchise Members ensuring your transition is as smooth as possible including up to 3 weeks classroom training, up to 10 days on-site training, on-going field support, 3-year RightStart training and support programs.
Total Cost for a Business with $500,000 Purchase Price	$10,000+	$50,000+	FREE*

* Does not include Sellers cost for legal, financial or accounting fees.

“For any advice for anybody that is looking at or ready to sell, don’t wait. Don’t wait until you’re at a point that things are tough or it’s just hard to transition. I know it’s hard to give up something that you’ve really had for so many years, but I find that I still have my customers here. I’m not really giving that up, but I’m giving them more of an opportunity to look at more product, and that’s the way that you have to look at it.”

Candy SaleFormer Owner of One Hour Signs

“Partnering with Alliance Franchise Brands to sell my printshop was one of the best business decisions I’ve ever made… They are the best “unpaid” advisor a small business seller could possibly have. And the support doesn’t stop after the sale – they are there during the transition, serving as a resource to help get the new owner off to the best possible start while ensuring the seller is taken care of as well. There is exactly zero risk to having a conversation with the professional team at Alliance and at least starting to explore your options.”

Paula FargoFormer Owner of Curry Printing

Your Mergers & Acquisition Team

Jim Jehl

Mergers & Acquisitions Director

With over 35 years of experience in the franchise industry, including owning and operating his own print franchise, Jim is the Mergers & Acquisitions Director at Alliance Franchise Brands. In this role, he collaborates closely with owners of independent print and sign businesses, guiding them through the selling process. Jim’s extensive experience allows him to help business owners explore the best path forward, whether through acquisition into the Alliance Franchise Brands network, resale, or strategic exit planning.

Rob Stout

Mergers & Acquisitions Development Manager

Robert is a natural entrepreneur and built multiple business ventures from the ground up. One of those being an independent sign and print company – making him a natural fit as our M&A Development Manager. He can relate directly with our independent business owners to explain the benefits of our MatchMaker program having the potential to be their ideal exit strategy. Guided by his philosophy of “leaving people better than you found them,” Robert is dedicated to fostering mutually beneficial partnerships within the M&A landscape.

Owen Pusinsky

Mergers & Acquisitions Specialist

Owen previously held an internship with Alliance Franchise Brands as he finished his degree from the University of Maryland, Smith School of Business, and has excelled into a full time position on our Mergers & Acquisitions team. His responsiveness and attention to detail make him a key asset to the team. Owen’s skill with financial data has made him an integral part of the business valuation process.

What is the MatchMaker Program?

We work with you and a national network of franchise brokers to find a budding entrepreneur to purchase your business and convert it into an Allegra Marketing Print Mail or Image360. You’ll only meet with vetted buyers who are actively interested in purchasing your business. You pay NO broker fees or commissions.

How does this process work?

It begins with a confidential conversation to understand your business. After signing a confidentiality/non-disclosure agreement, we will request you complete a simple Business Profile.

What information do I need to provide to get my business ready to sell?

– most recent 3 years profit & loss statements
– most recent balance sheet
– completion of an Owner’s Discretionary Income (ODI) worksheet that details the owners benefits received through the business.

How is the market value determined?

We use a proven valuation method based on years of experience Owners Discretionary Income (ODI) worksheet added to the owner wage/salary and net profit or loss to determine total ODI

What is the cost?

There are no commissions or fees. We believe that by investing in your business and helping you find the right buyer will benefit our franchise members when we add your business to our franchise network.

How are my owner perks calculated?

We will do a recast using the “perks” or owner benefits you enter on the Owners Discretionary Income (ODI) worksheet added to the owner wage/salary and net profit or loss to determine total ODI.

How long does the process take to sell my business?

Typically, it takes 8-12 months, though we have expedited exits in less than 90 days if necessary.

Do I need an attorney?

We highly recommend having your attorney review any legally binding agreement.

Is there a contract to participate in the MatchMaker Program ?

After valuation and agreeing on a go-to-market price, you’ll sign a Buyer Referral Agreement for 12 months.

Who purchases my business?

The buyer will be a new franchise member of Alliance Franchise Brands.

What about my employees?

Your employees are a very important part of a successful sale. Most, if not all, of your employees are usually retained by the buyer.

What about my location and equipment?

Typically, the buyer retains your location and equipment, as outlined in the Letter of Intent.

What about my legacy? What happens to my company name?

The transition is handled carefully and respectfully. In many cases, the buyer will co-brand both company names for several months for a smooth transition to either an Allegra or Image360.

Do I need to stay on? For how long?

Each MatchMaker is unique. A smooth transition for customers, and employees is very important for a successful sale. Typically, the seller will stay on for 60 – 90 days. In some cases, the seller wants to continue working as an employee, but does not want to own a business.

By partnering with Alliance Franchise Brands, you can confidently navigate the sale of your business, knowing you have the support and expertise of an industry leader. Contact us today to begin your journey.