There's a lot that goes into putting together the first, best and most comprehensive franchise ranking in the world. Here's a behind-the-scenes look at Entrepreneur's 37th annual Franchise 500®.

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The process began in July 2015, when we asked franchisors to participate in our survey. Each submission was vetted before being entered for data analysis; 951 companies made the first cut. Of those, the top 500 became the Franchise 500® ranking, based on financial and statistical data from July 2013 through July 2015.

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Only franchise companies that supply a full Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) or Canadian Disclosure Document and whose information is verified byEntrepreneur can receive a listing. To be eligible for the Franchise 500®, a franchisor must have a minimum of 10 units, with at least one franchise located in the U.S. The company must be seeking new franchisees in the U.S., and it cannot be in Chapter 11 at the time the ranking is compiled. (The exception to these rules is Canada-based companies that are expanding only in Canada.)

Franchise Direct's Top 100 Global Franchises list is the premier, research-only based ranking of the world's top 100 franchises. Using a methodology that goes far beyond system size and financial performance, the ranking is compiled by taking a host of criteria, giving each criterion a weighted value. The data for each franchise is plugged into a proprietary computer formula making the outcome as objective as possible.

Franchise Times is a national business publication with the tagline, “The news and information source for franchising.” Its coverage combines the news of the numerous industries that make up franchising, as well as the trends and legal issues that influence franchising as a way of doing business both in the U.S. and internationally. Popular features include franchisor and franchisee success stories, family business matters and interviews with celebrities who are involved in franchising.

Entrepreneur is a North American magazine and website that carries news stories about entrepreneurship, small business management, and business. The magazine was first published in 1977. It is published by Entrepreneur Media Inc., headquartered in Irvine, California. The magazine publishes 12 issues annually, available through subscription and on newsstands. It is published under license internationally in Mexico, Russia, India, Hungary, the Philippines and South Africa and others. Its editor-in-chief is Amy Cosper and its owner is Peter Shea.

Franchise Update Media(Franchising.com) has been a leader and innovator in providing valuable information and intelligence to franchisors, multi-unit franchisees and franchise prospects for over 27 years through multiple channels including conferences, magazines, research, digital properties and targeted marketing services.

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The mission of Franchise Update Media is, and always has been, to help all stakeholders in franchising improve and grow their businesses through comprehensive and current content, marketing services, and educational platforms. Over the years, we have grown and evolved how we deliver on that promise.

Franchise Direct, founded in 1998, is one of the world's leading portals for franchise and business opportunities. Its website network consists of thirteen multilingual sites targeting North America, South America, Europe, Africa and Asia.

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Franchise Direct’s goal is to provide a reliable, authoritative platform where entrepreneurs can connect with franchisors seeking investors. In support of this objective, our mission is to be the leading online resource for franchise opportunities and the knowledge center of choice for anyone seeking information on the franchise industry.