Taking over a franchise means buying an existing location from a franchisee who is stepping down, and operating the franchise system in their place. The franchisor has to approve the new owner, so you are selling yourself to two parties. The advantage: you buy turnover that already exists. An average franchise location in the Netherlands turned over €1.45 million in 2025 (calculated from NFV franchise statistics).
How exactly does a franchise takeover work?
In a takeover you buy the business of the current franchisee: often the fixtures, stock, the right to lease the premises and an amount for goodwill. The franchise agreement itself belongs to the franchisor. You therefore sign a new agreement with them, or take over the existing one if they agree. Ask which option applies, because it determines the term and the conditions that apply to you.
If you sign a franchise agreement, the Dutch Franchise Act applies. The franchisor must inform you in advance about, among other things, fees and required investments (Articles 7:913 and 7:916 of the Dutch Civil Code), followed by a four-week standstill period. Have your contract reviewed by a franchise lawyer; this is not legal advice.
A takeover is one of the routes in the step-by-step plan for starting a franchise. Still exploring? Then first read what a franchise is.
Is taking over a franchise better than opening a new location?
Both can work out well. The difference lies in risk and price: in a takeover you pay for proven turnover, with a new location you pay with time and uncertainty.
| Point | Takeover | New location |
|---|---|---|
| Turnover at the start | Already in place | You have to build it |
| Purchase price | Includes goodwill | No goodwill |
| Staff | Often taken over | You recruit them yourself |
| Location | Fixed | Chosen with the franchisor |
| Figures for your lender | Historical annual accounts | Only a forecast |
| Risk | Hidden problems | Slow start-up |
Where can you find franchises for sale?
Locations that are for sale are not always advertised publicly. The best starting point is the franchisor: they know which franchisees want to step down and are often keen to help find a successor. So first decide which franchise brands suit you. You will find an overview by sector under franchise brands in the Netherlands.
At a fair you can also talk to franchisors directly. See, for example, the report from the franchise fair in Gorinchem. Ask there specifically about locations looking for a successor.
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Which steps do you go through in a franchise takeover?
A takeover roughly follows seven steps. The order can differ per franchise brand, but the franchisor's approval is always part of it.
| Step | What you do | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Orientation | Choose a franchise brand and region | Does the brand suit you? |
| 2. Introduction | Meeting with franchisor and seller | Ask about the selection procedure |
| 3. Letter of intent | Outline agreements | Include conditions precedent |
| 4. Due diligence | Check figures, contracts and staff | Have an adviser look along |
| 5. Approval | The franchisor assesses you | No approval, no takeover |
| 6. Financing | Finalise loan and own contribution | Plan in the standstill period |
| 7. Handover | Sign contracts, receive the keys | Draw up an onboarding plan |
What role does the franchisor play in a takeover?
The franchisor has to approve you as the new franchisee. They assess you much like a starter: motivation, entrepreneurship and financial footing. You often also follow the same training as new franchisees. See the meeting as a two-way test and ask how the brand supports the location, for example with support for franchisees in local marketing.
What do you check when a franchise is for sale?
Due diligence is your chance to avoid surprises. Look not only at the figures, but also at the contracts and the online reputation of the location.
| Area | What you request or check |
|---|---|
| Annual accounts | Turnover and margin over several years |
| Franchise agreement | Remaining term and conditions |
| Lease | Term, rent and transferability |
| Staff | Contracts and existing arrangements |
| Fixtures and equipment | Condition and any replacement investments |
| Online reputation | Reviews, responses and Google Business Profile |
Why online reputation matters
In our Local SEO Benchmark Franchise Chains 2026, only 6 of the 100 chains responded to reviews within 24 hours. A location with many unanswered reviews will cost you time to put right after the takeover. Also read the cost of not responding to reviews.
How do you set the price in a franchise takeover?
There is no fixed formula for the price of a franchise location. Buyer and seller negotiate, usually based on the returns of recent years, the remaining term of the agreement, the condition of the fixtures and the goodwill. Have an adviser look along and ask the franchisor whether they use guidelines.
Part of the price can be paid through an earn-out: you then pay later, depending on the results. For the rest, look at financing for new franchisees, such as Qredits or a bank loan with a BMKB guarantee.
What are the pitfalls in a franchise takeover?
Most problems are caused by haste. These are the pitfalls buyers most often overlook.
| Pitfall | How to avoid it |
|---|---|
| Short remaining term | Ask about renewal in advance |
| Overdue maintenance | Have fixtures and premises inspected |
| Staff who leave | Talk to key employees beforehand |
| Overly optimistic figures | Compare with other locations |
| Upcoming changes to the franchise system | Ask about plans and investments |
Frequently asked questions about taking over a franchise
Can a franchisor refuse a takeover?
Do I take over the seller's franchise agreement?
What is goodwill when a franchise is for sale?
How long does a franchise takeover take on average?
Do I take over the staff in a franchise takeover?
Do I also have to follow training if I take over?
How do I finance the takeover of a franchise?
What goes into a letter of intent for a takeover?
Why would a franchisee want to sell their location?
Can I take over several franchise locations at once?
Sources
Gijs Bodenstaff
Franchise marketer, local SEO and GEO specialist, author
Considering a takeover? Take the checklists above to your first meeting with the franchisor.