Chicago Tribune McDonald’s Corp. is the latest corporation to try to cash in on the YouTube phenomenon, and the two moonlighting comedians who threw together a Chicken McNuggets video and slapped it on the Internet for fun are lovin’ it. Boston advertising agency Arnold is using the video,... More

Research and Markets Many people look at franchising as a way to be their own boss and freedom from the restrictions of corporate life. However, most do not have a clear understanding of what goes into running a franchise or the rigorous selection and startup processes. Aimed at new franchise purchasers,... More

Biz.Yahoo SIGN*A*RAMA, the world’s largest sign franchise, and EmbroidMe, the world’s largest embroidery franchise, have teamed up to open the first combined store at 2727 Hollywood Blvd., under the ownership of local residents Jose Duarte, Hussein El Fakih and Andreina Collantes. A grand... More

Nz Herald Burger Fuel investors new to the sharemarket learned a quick lesson in market dynamics yesterday when the sale of just 1000 shares took $10 million off the market value of the company. The fast-food firm that began trading on the NZAX on Friday with shares issued at $1 each closed yesterday... More

Caterer Search Losses have piled up at Coffee Republic as the company continues its transformation to a franchising model. For the year-ending 25 March the coffee chain made a net loss of £2.45m, up from £1.45m a year ago and saw sales fall by 34.8% to £9.7m (2006: £14.9m). Coffee Republic said it... More

Stuff Franchising seems the easiest way to break into business. But what are the traps for the unwary? JOHN McCRONE joins the throng at the Franchise Expo in Christchurch. The smiles are bright, the brochures glossy. But what about the business proposition? Will it really fly? It is a rainy weekend... More

Minister for Small Business, Fran Bailey, has launched a free Growing your Business checklist, developed to help small business owners make their small businesses more successful. www.business.gov.au/  Read More →

Dallas News More than 3 million pieces of Simpsons merchandise sold. One million Sprinklicious doughnuts were consumed. And one heck of a marketing coup has been scored. When Dallas-based 7-Eleven Inc. decided to turn 12 of its stores into Kwik-E-Marts for the month of July to coincide with the release... More

Bernama Fasfik the largest independent chain of tyres, brakes and lubrication service centres, plans to open 100 outlets yearly to gain economies of scale in providing affordable services. The new outlets will be located at various residential and commercial centres nationwide, according to the company. “One... More

Rediff The high-profile denizens of Mumbai and other celebrities will soon have a new place to hang out. Planet Hollywood, the US-based theme restaurant, is planning its debut in India by setting up a floating restaurant around the Mumbai harbour. Shubh Hospitality, the master franchisee of Planet Hollywood,... More

The Enquirer Businessman James Kaiser had to lose his job to find a calling. In 2005, he and his wife, Tracy, opened All About Kids Childcare & Learning Center, 7015 Yankee Road, and next month they plan to open a second 10,000-square-foot location at 1573 Cavalry Drive, Union. “We’re... More

Nz News Listed vending technology company VTL Group today confirmed the sale of its US franchise assets for $US67.5 million ($NZ87 million). The sale was to Bacon Whitney Corp, an American company owned by Halpern Denny Fund III LP. The Halpern Denny Fund is one of three Boston-based equity investment... More