Why 2025 Is a Great Year for Franchise Owners to Sell: Key Trends and Opportunities

Thinking about selling your franchise in 2025? You’re not alone. Across the country, franchise owners are hearing it’s a “seller’s market”—and that’s not just hype. This year is shaping up to be one of the best windows in recent memory for franchise owners to exit on their terms, maximize returns, and take advantage of new trends. Here’s a look at the key reasons why now is the time to make your move and the unique opportunities the year brings.

The Franchise Industry Is Booming

Let’s start with the big-picture numbers. In 2025, franchise units are on track to grow by 2.5%, hitting a whopping 851,000 locations. That’s alongside total franchise economic output ballooning to more than $936 billion—a 4.4% jump over last year. This means more buyers are eyeing franchises as attractive investments, and your business looks more valuable because it’s riding a wave of proven industry strength.

Why does this matter for owners thinking of selling? Competition among buyers is strong, and acquirers are eager to get a foothold or expand their footprint in franchising. If you’ve built a well-run operation, you can expect robust interest and often multiple offers.

Favorable Economy Puts Sellers in the Driver’s Seat

The macro environment couldn’t be more franchise-friendly. Economic growth has returned to steady levels, with confidence high in both the job market and consumer spending. Interest rates have stabilized—and in many cases, have dipped from previous highs—resulting in a surge of financing options. That means more potential buyers have access to cheaper capital, making it easier for deals to get done fast and at favorable valuations for sellers.

Franchisors are also rolling out incentives to onboard quality new operators more quickly. Reduced fees, limited-time royalty breaks, and flexible financing packages have become common—so buyers are motivated to close.

High-Demand Franchise Sectors Command Top Valuations

Not all franchises are created equal in this environment. Some sectors are riding especially strong tailwinds in 2025:

• Health & Wellness: From boutique fitness studios to wellness spas and nutrition coaching, health brands are seeing exponential demand as more Americans put a premium on physical and mental health.

• Service-Based Franchises: Whether it’s beauty, childcare, or home maintenance, service businesses are thriving thanks to consumers seeking trusted, local providers.

• Home Services: Anything from lawn care to repair services is hot, as the focus on home ownership, aging-in-place, and maintenance convenience grows.

If your franchise falls within one of these booming sectors, there’s a good chance you’ll attract strategic buyers eager to pay a premium—or even get into a bidding war.

Multi-Unit Operators Are Hungry to Expand

Today’s top-performing franchisees aren’t content to own just one location. Multi-unit ownership is the new standard; in fact, over half of all franchises awarded in the last year went to existing operators looking to add to their portfolios.

For single-unit owners, this opens a huge opportunity: There’s a ready-made pool of experienced operators looking for “plug and play” locations that fit their growth plans. Because these buyers already know the brand and the business, deals can move especially fast.

Boxwood Partners has advised on several recent transactions where regional operators acquired existing groups of stores to cement their market leadership—resulting in excellent exit multiples for sellers. For example, check out our press release on the sale of a leading multi-brand franchise operator to Prospect Partners.

Technology and ESG Leadership Boost Buyer Interest

Franchises that have invested in technology—think AI-powered scheduling, contactless transactions, or CRM tools—are standing out in the market. Buyers are increasingly seeking businesses with up-to-date operational systems because they reduce overhead and improve customer service.

The same goes for sustainability and social responsibility. With nearly 60% of consumers preferring ethical brands, buyers are looking for franchises that have environmental policies, community programs, or reduced-waste operations. If your business has made headway here, it’s a strong selling point and can drive a higher valuation.

Rising International Demand

Franchising isn’t just an American phenomenon—U.S. brands are growing overseas. The number of U.S. franchise-owned units operating internationally is projected to top 50,000 in 2025, representing a 12% jump from last year. This global demand creates another pool of acquirers, particularly for successful franchise owners in sectors like food service, retail, or health and wellness.

If your brand is known and respected, or sits in an industry with global traction, you could field offers from international buyers seeking proven concepts and operational playbooks.

The “Perfect Storm” for Sellers

To sum up, here’s why 2025 stands out:

• The franchising industry is growing rapidly, drawing new buyer interest.

• Steady economic fundamentals and improved financing put more capital into buyer hands.

• Booming sectors like wellness, services, and home care drive premium prices.

• Multi-unit operators and international buyers create an expanded pool of motivated acquirers.

• Investments in tech and sustainability add value that modern buyers seek.

Owners with even one location can benefit from these trends—but those with multiple stores, a strong history, and visible brand reputation are especially positioned to exit at a high. And remember, just because it’s a good market, that doesn’t mean you should rush: Proper planning, preparation, and the right advisors still make the biggest difference in your exit outcome.

How Boxwood Partners Can Help

If you’re considering selling in 2025, working with experienced advisors is key to maximizing your sale price and ensuring a smooth transition. At Boxwood Partners, we specialize in mergers & acquisitions for franchise owners and have helped dozens of business owners realize top-dollar exits—even in competitive, fast-moving markets.

Ready to discuss your next move? Visit our transaction page to see our recent deals or connect directly with our team.

It’s a seller’s market—let’s make it your moment.