Usually through larger business facilities sized on the combined business. A track record of running one unit well is the strongest case for the next ones. Multi-unit ownership is common: in the bfa/NatWest Franchise Survey 2018, about a third of franchisees ran more than one unit.
What lenders look for
- Your track record: how your existing units trade, and how you've managed them.
- Management: who'll run each site day to day.
- The cost of each new unit, and the timing of openings.
- Cash across the group: expansion mustn't drain the units already trading.
Ways multi-unit deals are funded
- A term loan for fit-out, fees and working capital.
- Asset finance for vans and equipment. See How do I finance a van or equipment for a franchise?.
- A revolving facility for working capital across units. See What's the difference between a term loan and a revolving credit facility?
Buying several units at once
Buying units from other franchisees is an acquisition. Lenders look at each business's accounts and price. See Can I get finance to buy an existing franchise? and What is acquisition finance?
Franchisor approval
Most franchisors approve each extra unit or territory. Check what your agreement says.
Last reviewed: 8 October 2026