2. With
more
than
20
years
in
the
underserved
International
Consulting
market
segment
of
the
franchising
and
licensing
industries,
Le
Sante
International
targets
the
following
distinct
franchisor
groups:
1. The
domestic
US
franchisor
attempting
to
expand
internationally.
2. The
international
franchisor
looking
to
begin
development
within
the
US
borders.
3. US
brands
endeavoring
to
expand
from
regional
to
national
status.
4. International
brands
attempting
to
expand
outside
of
their
national
borders.
Our
typical
client
ranges
from
small
to
mid-‐size
companies
considering
expansion
essential
for
the
long-‐term
health
of
their
brand.
The
services
provided
to
these
organizations
include:
1. Strategic
Expansion
Consultancy
2. International
Matchmaking
Network
3. International
Partnership
Development
The
Company
and
its
Business
3. Our Services
Strategic Expansion Consultancy
We have a distinctive and tested operating model, consisting of
disciplined procedures for evaluating the clients business format
to determine its international expansion potential. This process
allows us to provide the client with a detailed Needs Analysis and
recommend the most appropriate development strategy.
Moreover, the process allows the client to prioritize territory
expansion. Finally, we can provide a network of professional
service entities prepared to assist in the technical aspects of
international documentation, government filings and mandatory
administrative requirements.
International Matchmaking Network
Due to our reputation and history of successful international
development in more than 59 countries over the past 25 years, Le
Sante International provides a matchmaking network database
whereby the client and potential partners are introduced.
Additionally, we supply professional representation of the client
concepts through worldwide trade missions, conferences and
targeted trade events.
Lost in
Translation?
4. Expansion Models
Clients considering joint venture partnership as an expansion strategy predictably use one
or more of the structures listed below:
1. Unit Franchising: Whereby a franchisor grants a franchise to one entity, to operate
ONE Franchise outlet.
2. Area Development: This involves the granting of a geographic area to one franchisee
in return for a commitment to develop and operate a number of outlets over a certain
period of time.
3. Master Franchise: One of the most common strategies utilized in cross-border
expansion. This model involves three parties, the franchisor, a Master Franchisee,
and a unit franchisee. The franchisor grants the Master Franchisee a license to
operate and grant unit franchises to a third party in a defined territory. This model
requires a three tier split of the fees, whereas Master Franchisee collects an initial fee
as well as a royalty fee from the unit franchisee. In turn he remits a portion of the fee
back to the original franchisor. The amount of the split is directly reflected by the
amount of necessary support required from the parties.
4. Licensing: This model is mainly used to license a product or service without direct
operational support from the franchiser. This model is commonly used in product
distribution such as clothing brands.
5. Le Sante International, a global franchise development firm, represents a number of
companies with their international expansion efforts. Our list of clients rate among the top
brands in their respective segments, franchising from fast food to business services. Prior to
establishing our firm in the year 2000, Mr. Le Sante held executive positions with several
international franchisors. He last served as Vice President of International Development for
Metromedia Restaurant Group, successfully increasing the chains international exposure of
their brands. Metromedia operates more than 1000 Restaurants in 17 countries under the
brand names of Bennigan’s, Ponderosa Steakhouse, Bonanza Steakhouse and Steak & Ale.
Prior to this, he served as Vice President, International Development for Tutor Time Learning
Systems where he negotiated Master License Agreements in Europe and Asia. He has also
served as Group Vice President of International Franchise Services for Blimpie International,
Inc. (AMEX symbol BLM) primarily responsible for their international franchise expansion and
development into a record 28 countries. His international development experience goes back
to 1985, and to date, he has been involved in negotiating international agreements in 64
countries.
Mr. Le Sante is a frequent speaker at franchise and business conferences throughout the
world and has been featured on CNN en Español. He has published articles on franchise
expansion in several international publications and has contributed as a franchise expert for
The New York Times, Washington Post and Wall Street Journal. He has received various key
awards related to his contributions with international franchise development and continues to
educate future franchise candidates through US Department of State programs in emerging
countries. He is a graduate of the IFA’s Educational Foundation “Certified Franchise
Executive” program. Mr. Le Sante is a member of the IFA’s International Affairs Committee
and served as Chairman of the organization’s International Matchmaker Task Force. He
served as Vice Chairman of the IFA’s Global Marketing Committee. In 2002, Mr. Le Sante
was appointed by the Secretary of Commerce to serve a four-year term on the Florida District
Export Council. In 2006 he was appointed to a second term. Mr. Le Sante has served on the
IFA’s Supplier Forum Board of Directors.
William Le Sante, CFE
Managing Director & CEO
