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Franchise modelsMaster franchise
The model granting one partner full rights to develop the brand in a country or territory — the most common way for brands to enter foreign markets quickly.
Where this sits
No single model fits every market. The choice depends on the control you want, the speed of expansion and the capability of available partners.
In practice
This section summarises United States federal regulation (16 CFR Part 436) as published by the Federal Trade Commission. Rules change and differ by country — check the source before acting. For reference only; not legal advice.
Master franchising is the fastest route into a foreign market because it transfers the work — recruiting, training, supporting and often adapting the model — to a partner who already knows the country. The brand owner trades depth of control for speed and local capability.
The trade is real in both directions. One partner now stands between the brand and every operator in that market, so the quality of that single choice sets the ceiling for the whole country. Where the market is the United States, the master also assumes franchisor status in law (16 CFR 436.1(k)) — including the duty to disclose to the partners it recruits.
Source: 16 CFR § 436.1(k) — Definitions · Reviewed: 2026-09-02