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Kekst CNC handles Franchise Group as the Delaware (Ohio) franchising platform files for Chapter 11 in a bid to reduce debt and enhance liquidity.
The company’s portfolio includes Vitamin Shoppe (700+ stores), American Freight (365 furniture/appliances/mattresses outlets), Buddy’s Home Furnishings (320 rent-to-own outlets), Pet Supplies Plus (620 units) and Wag N Wash (15 pet grooming sites).
The reorganization plan calls for the wind down of American Freight, which has struggled due to the sustained inflation and macroeconomic challenges facing the durable goods sector.
Franchise Group CEO Andrew Laurence said his company’s remaining brands have demonstrated value propositions and provide great products and services to customers.
Kekst CNC has Jeremy Fielding, Sherri Toub and Ross Lovern representing Franchise Group.
Publicis Groupe owns Kekst CNC.
Prosek Partners handles New York’s Tilray Brands, craft beer & cannabis operation, as it acquires BrewDog, a leading British independent beer producer in the UK, for $45M.
Brunswick Group handles Zurich Insurance as it agrees to buy UK-based Beazley specialty insurer in a deal valued at $11B.
FGS Global represents Brink’s as it agrees to acquire NCR Atleos, which relies on Collected Strategies, in a $6.6B cash & stock deal to create a leading fintech infrastructure company. (Updated)
A January article in O’Dwyer’s proposes that in 2026, the strongest financial brands will not simply tell compelling stories—they will “signal readiness.”
C Street Advisory Group is working the Chapter 11 filing of Axip Energy Services as it unloads its nearly all of its assets to deal with a heavy debt load.
