Business Description

MERLIN is an upscale automotive service chain with one of the highest average sales per shop statistics in the industry. MERLIN specializes in brakes, exhaust, suspension, oil/lubrication, air conditioning, tires and related services. Marketing is based on long-term employee and customer relationships. Candidates must have significant management and sales/customer service experience. Automotive experience is helpful. Special equity assistance is available to candidates with significant automotive experience (FASTRAK), qualified bilingual candidates (TLP), and for employees enrolled in Merlin's Entrepreneur Development Program (EDP). See Website for details on equity assistance.

Franchisor Background

Year Established:  1975

Franchising Since:  1975

Operating Units:
Franchised Units:	66	94.3%
Company-Owned Units:	4	5.7%
Total Operating Units:	70	100.0%
Geographic Distribution: U.S.: 70 100% In 6 States Canada: 0 0% In 0 Canadian Provinces International: 0 0% In 0 Foreign Countries   Total: 70 100.0%

North America:
States/Provinces with the largest number of operating units:

Density	Units
1. Georgia	5
2. Illinois	50

Registered in Following Registration States: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin

Financial Requirements

Investment:
Minimum Net Worth:	$75K
Cash Investment:	$20-50K
Total Investment:	$185-210K
Average Total Investment:	$197K
Fees:
Initial Franchise Fee:	$26-30K
Average Franchise Fee:	$28K
On-Going Royalty:	4%
Average Royalty:	4%
Advertising Fee:	5%

Average Number of Employees: 3-4 Full-time, 1 Part-time

Space Needs (in square footage): 3,850

Preferred Sites: Free-standing Building, Strip Center, Regional Mall

Other Sites: Other Ctr.

Encourage Conversions? Yes

Earnings Claims Provided?: Yes

Franchisee Qualifications
Ranked from 1 (unimportant) to 5 (important):
Financial Net Worth:	3
General Business Experience:	5
Specific Industry Experience:	4
Formal Education:	3
Psychological Profile:	4
Personal Interview(s):	5
Terms of Contract
Term of Initial Contract:	20 Year(s)
Term of Renewal Period:	20 Year(s)
Passive Ownership:	Not Allowed
Area Development Agreements?	No
Sub-Franchising Contracts?	No
Franchisees Allowed to Expand Within Territory?	Yes
Support and Training
International Franchise Association:	Yes
Canadian Franchise Association:	No
Franchisee Association/Member:	No
Size of Corporate Staff:	20
Site Selection Assistance?	Yes
Lease Negotiation Assistance?	Yes
Financial Assistance?	Yes, Indirect
Marketing Support:
Co-Op Advertising:	Yes
National Advertising:	No
Regional Advertising:	No
Local Advertising:	No
Marketing Materials:	None Specified
Additional Services:	None Specified
Other Marketing Support:	None Specified
On-Going Support:
Central Data Processing:	Not Applicable
Central Purchasing:	Not Applicable
Field Operation Evaluation:	Included in Fees
Field Training:	Included in Fees
Initial Store Opening:	Included in Fees
Inventory Control:	Included in Fees
Franchisee Newsletter:	Included in Fees
Regional or National Meetings:	Included in Fees
800 Telephone Hotline:	Included in Fees
Training:
1. Corporate Headquarters	6 Weeks
2. In Shop	As Needed
Expansion Plans
Projected New Units Over Next 12 months: 6 U.S.: Yes, IL, MI, GA, WI, IN Canada: No Overseas: No	Request Franchisor Info   Submit an online form to receive information from Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops.