Success Stories

ACE HARDWARE - A co-operative network of independent hardware store owners. All owners operate under the Ace Hardware brand name and use collective buying power to offer competitive pricing.

Challenge

Ace Hardware needed assistance in growing their organization internationally. They came to Francorp for help in examining international franchise options as well as international sales opportunities.

Solution

Selected by Ace as their franchise consultants, Francorp produced a feasibility study of the European market for franchise hardware distribution, examining the market, competition and development structure. Francorp further assisted in international brokerage and consulting, specifically, in the country of Japan. Francorp took Ace Hardware to Japan and arranged for meetings with Japanese buyers, resulting in a successful deal in that country.

On a Subsequent engagement several years later, Ace returned to Francorp for assistance with their domestic co-operative program. Francorp's in house team of consultants assessed the problems in their existing program and developed the strategy, marketing and legal materials to revitalize it.