Our Top Global Franchises These international franchises are offering up a world of possibilities.

By Tracy Stapp Herold

While we may think of 7-Eleven, McDonald's, Baskin-Robbins and KFC as "all-American" brands, these companies actually have more franchises outside the U.S. than domestically. That's why you'll find them in the top 10 of our 2014 ranking of global franchises.

Only companies seeking new franchisees outside the U.S. and with a minimum of five open international locations were considered for this ranking. To compile the list, we took each qualifying company's 2014 Franchise 500(R) score--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.

This ranking is not intended as a recommendation of any particular company, but as a starting point for your research. No matter what part of the world you're in, it pays to do your due diligence before buying a franchise. Read the company's legal documents, consult with an attorney and an accountant, and talk to existing franchisees to find the right fit for you and your region.

View the 2014 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.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Business News

AI Could Cause 99% of All Workers to Be Unemployed in the Next Five Years, Says Computer Science Professor

Professor Roman Yampolskiy predicted that artificial general intelligence would be developed and used by 2030, leading to mass automation.

Buying / Investing in Business

From a $120M Acquisition to a $1.3T Market

Co-ownership is creating big opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Buying / Investing in Business

Big Investors Are Betting on This 'Unlisted' Stock

You can join them as an early-stage investor as this company disrupts a $1.3T market.

Business News

Mark Zuckerberg 'Insisted' Executives Join Him For a MMA Training Session, According to Meta's Ex-President of Global Affairs

Nick Clegg, Meta's former president of global affairs, says in a new book that he once had to get on the mat with a coworker.