Specialist reports to provide most wide reaching and factual analysis of franchise industry in Australia

SYDNEY, Australia – 17 November 2008 – Specialist consulting and legal firm DC Strategy today announced the launch of DC Strategy Research, a specialist research firm focused on providing quality business analysis for key decision makers.

In the first stage of this initiative, DC Strategy Research is producing independent franchise business reports containing information on individual franchise systems. These reports will provide the most wide reaching research and factual analysis of franchising ever completed in Australia and have been compiled after two years of research, analysis, focus groups and interviews.

“With extensive experience in franchising and the growth of businesses, DC Strategy has a detailed understanding of what aspects make a quality franchisor successful and how a business needs to evolve over many years to remain relevant to the consumer and franchisees,” says Adrian McFedries, Managing Director of DC Strategy. “The preparation of factually based independent franchise business reports provides a constructive channel to communicate independent, detailed and factual information to franchisees that are interested in making an informed decision. This will provide an invaluable resource to potential franchisees as they conduct their due diligence when making a decision about franchising.”

These reports will allow prospective franchisees to more easily identify the highest quality franchise systems in Australia. As a result, those prospective franchisees now have a trusted and independent source of information to help them make a fully informed decision about which franchise to purchase.

Said McFedries, “Our detailed analysis of the 1000+ franchisors in Australia has reinforced our professional opinion that there are many businesses in the market that are ill-equipped to be in franchising. As a consequence, there is genuine concern that over the next few years there may be unnecessary regulation introduced which seeks to curtail the poor practices of a very small number of poorly run franchisors or franchisees.  This would have an unhealthy impact on the highest quality franchisors that account for the majority of franchisees in Australia.”

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) is a proud supporter of this initiative and has been working closely with DC Strategy during the production of the reports. CBA’s involvement recognises the presence, expertise and experience that their specialist franchise and business lending teams bring to franchising in Australia.

Rod Nuttall, National Executive Manager – Franchising, Corporate Financial Services, Commonwealth Bank, said, “Australia is one of the world’s most franchised countries per capita. With so many systems out there to choose from, it’s vital for prospective franchisees to gather as much information as possible during the due diligence phase to ensure they’re investing into a business that they believe in and fits their long-term ambitions. We work with both sides of the franchising industry, franchisees and franchisors alike, and believe these reports will bring great benefits to all concerned.”

Available for purchase through www.dcsreport.com the reports will cover key details and information on the organisation, key management, franchise system structure, performance, industry commentary, re-sale activity, history of disputes and current franchisee feedback. The reports range in price from $350 - $700 + GST depending on the detail in the report.

Says McFedries, “DC Strategy Research aims to give franchisees the option to purchase independently prepared information in a consistent format as part of their decision making process. In addition to this, franchisors will have an independent source of high quality, independent research they can direct to prospective franchisees.”

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About DC Strategy

DC Strategy is the region’s leading specialist consulting and legal firm, with dedicated teams in Strategy, Franchising, International and Legal. DC Strategy has developed the networks and brands of some of the region’s most successful businesses including  Boost Juice, Flight Centre, OPSM, ANZ, Pack & Send, Telstra, Darrell Lea, Aussie, Dymocks, Forty Winks, Caltex, RACV, Tattersalls, Australia Post, and Mortgage Choice.

For media interviews or information please contact

Tara Schwarze

Max Australia

+61 2 9954 3492

tara.schwarze@maxaustralia.com.au