200 Top Global Franchises Our top global franchises are primed for growth.

By Tracy Stapp Herold

As ubiquitous as 7-Eleven may seem to Americans, the U.S. is actually the second-largest market for the company, which is No. 1 on Entrepreneur's top global franchises list. Japan has almost twice as many 7-Eleven stores--more than 15,300--and is home to parent company Seven & i Holdings (though the franchise maintains its U.S. headquarters in Dallas, where it got its start 86 years ago).

Below you'll find 7-Eleven and 199 other companies that are seeking best franchises outside of the U.S.

In order to compile this ranking, we took each company's 2013 Franchise 500® score--which is based on objective, quantifiable criteria such as system size, growth and financial strength and stability--then adjusted it to give extra weight to international size and growth.

Keep in mind that this ranking is not intended as a recommendation of any particular company. No matter where you are in the world, you should do your homework before investing in a franchise. That means reading the company's legal documents, consulting with an attorney and an accountant and talking to as many franchisees as possible.

View the 2013 Top Global Franchises

Tracy Stapp Herold

Entrepreneur Staff

Tracy Stapp Herold is the special projects editor at Entrepreneur magazine. She works on franchise and business opportunity stories and listings, including the annual Franchise 500.

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