The global outlook series on Franchising provides a collection of statistical anecdotes, market briefs, and concise summaries of research findings. The report offers an aerial view of the global franchising industry, identifies major short to medium term market challenges, and growth drivers. The report provides a rudimentary prelude to the worldwide Franchising industry. The discussion summarizes, in addition to other market variables, the advantages of franchising, and the impact of internet – the opportunities and challenges boded and the change in business models elicited. The report offers a compilation of recent mergers, acquisitions, and strategic corporate developments. Market discussions in the report are punctuated with fact-rich market data tables. Regional markets briefly abstracted and covered include United States, Canada, Europe, France, Germany, Russia, UK, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, China, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan, Middle East, Mexico, and Africa. The report also includes an indexed, easy-to-refer, fact-finder directory listing the addresses, and contact details of 878 companies worldwide.