The investment community has been increasingly interested in franchise systems as potential targets. They present a valuable investment proposition for strategic and financial investors. The appeal of robust, long-term, and diversified royalty income streams, proven business concepts, potential for scalability and expansion, shared expansion costs (i.e. with franchisees), and the goodwill and strength of an established brand has caught the attention of private equity funds, family offices, and other sophisticated acquirers. The strategy and structure of investments is also becoming more creative and flexible as investors get more comfortable with the franchise business model, including investments at the master franchise level, and aggregation of brands in the same industry (or similar industries) to achieve economies of scale. However, sophisticated acquirers (as many know), explore, consider, and pass on far more opportunities than they take up. So what are the critical franchise specific considerations that raise red flags for sophisticated investors looking to acquire a franchise system?