Flynn Group—the world’s largest franchisee company—is not up for sale, contradictory to previous reports.
Greg Flynn denied the rumors at the annual International Franchise Association Convention in Phoenix on February 19, according to an IFA representative. He spoke during a general session entitled, “Disciplined Execution and a Visionary Mindset Paved the Way for Multi-Unit Franchisee Greatness.”
Earlier in February, Reuters reported that Flynn Group was exploring a sale and that a majority interest could be valued at more than $5 billion. The company was said to have been working with Bank of America on the sales process. At the time, Flynn Group decided not to comment on the news.
Currently, the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (OTPP) and private equity firm Main Post Partners each own about one-third of the business while Flynn management controls the rest.
Flynn Group, founded in 1999 by industry veteran Greg Flynn, is the largest operator of Applebee’s, Arby’s, and Pizza Hut, and also owns hundreds of stores for Taco Bell, Panera, and Wendy’s. Altogether, the company oversees more than 2,600 units and earns more than $4.5 billion in annual sales. Last year, Flynn Group expanded internationally for the first time when it acquired master franchising rights for the 260-unit Pizza Hut Australia business. Shortly after, it reached an agreement with Wendy’s to open 200 locations in Australia over the next 10 years. Previously called “Flynn Restaurant Group,” the company switched its name after it purchased 37 Planet Fitness clubs in 2023.
