When expanding across international borders, franchise systems have various options for structuring their arrangements. These include master franchising, multi-unit franchising, direct unit-by-unit franchising, company-owned operations and joint ventures (JVs) between the company and local parties. This session will consider these alternatives in general, focusing upon JV arrangements in particular. The programme will address the considerations that may motivate a franchisor to determine that a JV is advantageous compared with conventional franchise arrangements or direct ownership. Additionally, the programme will review the different possible ownership structures in a JV among the co-venture participants and the structure that might best suit the needs of a franchisor and its local operating partners. Finally, the discussion will also address the question of whether a JV arrangement can be structured to mitigate or remove the need to comply with underlying franchise and other transnational laws.