The International Franchise Professionals Group (IFPG) announced it has acquired Franchise Business Review (FBR), expanding its capabilities as an integrated franchise growth platform and reinforcing its push into data-driven and AI-enabled development strategies.
The deal brings together IFPG’s nationwide broker network and development infrastructure with FBR’s long-standing expertise in franchisee satisfaction research and performance benchmarking. The acquisition is designed to enhance the analytical backbone of franchise development as brands increasingly rely on structured data and predictive insights to guide expansion decisions.
Founded in 2005, FBR has built a reputation as one of the industry’s leading independent research firms focused on franchisee satisfaction and employee engagement. Over the past two decades, the company has surveyed tens of thousands of franchise owners, publishing rankings based exclusively on direct franchisee feedback.
Under the agreement, IFPG and FBR plan to invest over the next 24 months in developing an AI-enhanced performance intelligence layer that moves beyond static benchmarking. The goal is to provide franchisors with predictive insights that help identify early indicators of franchisee success, onboarding friction, and system-wide performance risks before they appear in traditional lagging metrics.
As an immediate benefit, all IFPG franchisor members will gain access to a new FBR product designed to measure new franchisee satisfaction across sales, training, onboarding, and territory launch processes. Participating brands will receive benchmarked, actionable performance data to help leadership teams identify system gaps and improve the franchisee experience from the earliest stages of development. Access to the program will be exclusive to IFPG franchisor members.
Michelle Rowan will continue serving as President of Franchise Business Review and will work closely with IFPG leadership to expand FBR’s reach while maintaining its research independence and governance standards.
The companies said FBR will continue operating with the methodological rigor that has defined its leadership position, now as part of IFPG’s broader strategy to unify development expertise, business performance intelligence, and industry engagement under one platform.
The announcement comes ahead of the International Franchise Association Annual Convention, where IFPG and FBR leaders are expected to discuss the growing importance of benchmarking and performance data in franchise growth. Executives say validation metrics and measurable system health indicators are becoming increasingly central to how boards and capital partners assess scalability and long-term value creation.
With the acquisition, IFPG continues executing its strategy to build a comprehensive franchise growth platform supporting responsible brand expansion across the full franchise lifecycle.
KEY QUOTES:
“Modern franchise growth is increasingly shaped by structured data and AI-informed decision making. Benchmarking has become foundational to disciplined development and long-term scalability. By bringing Franchise Business Review into our platform, we are strengthening the foundation of growth for franchisors across the country.”
Matt Otskey, Chief Operating Officer, International Franchise Professionals Group
“Over the past twenty years, our mission has been to elevate transparency and accountability within franchising through data-driven research. Partnering with IFPG positions Franchise Business Review to expand our impact across the industry. Their commitment to professional standards and responsible growth aligns closely with our values, and I am confident this partnership will propel FBR forward as a continued leader in franchise performance benchmarking while contributing to the broader growth platform IFPG is building.”
Eric Stites, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Franchise Business Review
“Franchising is entering a more data-intensive and AI-enabled era. For nearly two decades, FBR has built trusted benchmarking intelligence rooted in direct franchisee and employee feedback. With this partnership, we will redefine that foundation by leveraging advanced analytics and AI technologies to turn franchisor data from research into operating intelligence. Our focus is simple: help brands translate insight into measurable performance improvement.”
Don Daszkowski, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, International Franchise Professionals Group
“FBR’s research governance and analytical standards continue to define our work. This partnership enhances our ability to deliver meaningful insights to franchisors and prospective franchisees while preserving the trust our clients and franchisees place in our research. It also creates new opportunities to expand our employee engagement work, which is increasingly critical as franchise brands compete for talent at every level.”
Michelle Rowan, President, Franchise Business Review
“As franchisors compete for high-quality franchisees, validation and measurable performance data are becoming essential components of development strategy. This strategic acquisition enhances the value IFPG delivers to both consultants and franchisors while strengthening the data-driven foundation of the franchise discovery process.”
Red Boswell, President, International Franchise Professionals Group
