Franchising
Global Guide 2024 : Global Market Leaders
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+1 312 861 8800About
Provided by Baker McKenzie
Our Global Franchise, Distribution & Brand Expansion team is recognized for their expertise in franchise transactions, acting for many of the largest franchise companies in the world on franchise, licensing and distribution matters in the US and almost every jurisdiction around the world. The team represents franchisors and other brand owners seeking to expand overseas and increase their global footprint, and franchisors based outside of the US in their inbound franchising efforts into the US. We are global leaders in the field of franchising and are active in industry and bar associations, with one of our partners being a Past Chair of the American Bar Association Forum on Franchising, the preeminent franchise legal organization in the world.
Our clients come from a wide range of industries: consumer goods and services, technology, healthcare, education and industrial. We have particular expertise in the hotel, restaurant, car rental, retail, entertainment and fashion sectors. Our work in the hotel and hospitality industries complements the expertise of our tourism practice group in hotel management agreements.
We work with our clients to find the structure that best suits their business in each sector and country, be it franchise, equity joint venture or company-owned units. The need to think commercially and creatively and avoid a "one size fits all" approach to global brand expansion is critical as international laws affecting brands continue to evolve.
Chambers Review
Baker McKenzie is a top-tier firm with an international footprint stretching across all continents. The practice is spearheaded by an impressive Dallas team, with additional support from its Houston, Bangkok and Melbourne offices, for cross-border matters. The law firm offers:
• Substantial experience on both sides of franchising agreements.
• Advice on matters across a range of sectors, including the retail, hospitality, entertainment and food industries.
• Global coverage for its clients, advising on international expansion across multiple jurisdictions.
• Significant expertise in joint-employer regulation.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"I have full confidence in the firm's knowledge and ability. The lawyers meet deadlines, they are diligent and their work is extremely thorough."
"Baker McKenzie always has someone on the team that can help with any variety of issues."
"I have full confidence in the firm's knowledge and ability. The lawyers meet deadlines, they are diligent and their work is extremely thorough."
"Baker McKenzie always has someone on the team that can help with any variety of issues."
Notable Practitioners
Penny Ward is especially well regarded for her expertise in cross-border franchising transactions in the APAC region. She is based in Melbourne.
"Penny Ward is one of the most recognised practitioners in Australia."
Will Woods is a well-regarded franchising expert who often works with international clients on complex transactions. His expertise covers the food, leisure and hotel sectors, among others.
"He is very intuitive and very practical. His legal expertise is followed closely by his understanding of business."
Kevin Maher is highly respected for his impressive international franchising work. He is based in Dallas.
"Kevin's international knowledge of franchising and licensing is exceptional."
"Kevin has a good breadth of knowledge and is commercially focused."
"Kevin is very practical and has vast cross-border experience with very large clients."