UK franchise group set to float

UK franchise and management consultancy The Franchise Group is to seek a listing on the Toronto Ventures Market in 2008 following a £9.7m takeover.

A consortium led by UK businessman Jeff Smith acquired the Manchester-based consultancy, which helps successful businesses expand via its unique ‘Upside Down’ franchising model.

The new chief executive Les Dyson immediately announced plans to list on the TSX Ventures market, a rival to London’s AIM.

“We have great plans for The Franchise Group and I was delighted to be given the opportunity to get involved, said Dyson, a former director of Viners, Electrocomponents and Ronson.

“The Franchise Group is potentially a very strong business services company with great intellectual property and tremendous global potential,” he added.