Latest Franchise Operations News

Peter Warren Automotive has completed its acquisition of Wakeling Automotive, but the transaction remains tied to eight dealership divestments required by the ACCC. The deal expands Peter Warren’s dealership portfolio while leaving a significant regulatory obligation outstanding.

Joyce Corporation Ltd (ASX: JYC) posted a record FY26 profit of $10.8 million, up 32% on normalised NPAT, underpinned by strong growth in its KWB kitchen and wardrobe business and improved Bedshed franchise performance. The company declared a fully franked final dividend of 17 cents, lifting the full-year payout to 30 cents per share.

Harvey Norman Holdings reported a 10.9% rise in profit before tax excluding one-off adjustments, driven by international retail growth and a robust property portfolio. The company declared a fully franked 13 cent final dividend, maintaining a strong balance sheet with conservative gearing.

Domino’s Pizza Enterprises reported a $134.2 million statutory loss for FY26 due to significant non-cash impairments, while underlying profit rose 4%. The company is closing up to 60 stores and focusing on franchisee profitability and cost reductions.

Retail Food Group (ASX:RFG) posted a 10.7% revenue drop to A$127.9 million in FY26 but returned to profit with a statutory net profit of A$1.1 million, driven by cost rationalisation and operational improvements.

Peter Warren Automotive reported a modest revenue increase to AUD 2.489 billion in FY26 but saw profit after tax nearly halve to AUD 6.3 million, reflecting margin pressure in new vehicles and rising operating costs. The company declared a fully franked final dividend of 0.6 cents per share and is poised for growth with expanded Chinese brand exposure and a disciplined acquisition pipeline.

Viva Leisure posted a 12.2% revenue increase to $237.1 million and a 144.5% jump in net profit after tax for FY2026, declaring its first fully franked dividend and launching Meridium Global as a standalone payments and technology business.

Kip McGrath Education Centres narrowed its revenue by 4.3% to $30.1 million in FY26 while lifting profit after tax by 2.1%, driven by strategic franchise consolidation and operational efficiencies. The company also faced an unsolicited takeover bid post-reporting period.

Peter Warren Automotive’s planned acquisition of Wakeling Automotive hits a regulatory and timing impasse as vendors refuse to extend the deal’s Sunset Date despite ACCC application adjustments.

Burger Fuel Group posted a 92% surge in net profit to NZ$1.97 million for FY26, driven by steady system sales growth, a one-off store sale gain, and reduced legal expenses, while geopolitical instability in the Middle East weighs on international sales.

Retail Food Group (ASX:RFG) reports accelerated cost rationalisation lifting FY26 savings estimates, yet trims EBITDA guidance amid softening sales and tough retail conditions. The first Firehouse Subs restaurant launch remains on track for June 2026.

Harvey Norman Holdings Limited reported a robust 6.9% rise in system sales revenue for 1H26, underpinned by strong Australian franchisee performance and overseas expansion. Profit before tax climbed 16.5%, boosted by property revaluations and disciplined cost management.