Franchise Top 500 Methodology

Franchise Direct has identified the Top 500 biggest franchise opportunities operating across Europe. This year's list is based on the number of units the franchise currently operates in Europe.

To arrive at this figure we referred to several European Franchise Association Web sites as well as numerous franchise directories. We verified the figure by referring to the franchise's own Web site. A preliminary questionnaire was also sent to the franchisors. While we have verified the information cited in the Top 500 to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee the 100% accuracy of the information. As the franchise industry is very dynamic, the numbers fall and rise at a face pace; therefore an ultimate figure for any franchise is difficult to pin point at any moment. In 2009, a more extensive and comprehensive Top 500 report will be published.

No similar definitive list of Europe's best franchises exists. Franchise Direct will become an indispensable resource to anyone researching franchising in Europe.

Our 2009 survey will be even more in-depth and will be based upon stability and growth variables, including: turnover, how long the franchise is in existence, the number of people employed and the number of new franchises developed over the past few years. Franchises will be encouraged to participate in order to preserve or improve their current ranking.

If you have any comments or questions about this or next year's survey, email us at info@franchisedirect.co.uk.