At Oak Leasing, we bring over 33 years of experience in providing customised European franchise equipment finance solutions to fast food and retail franchises across 30 European countries.
With a proven track record of financing over 1,000 franchise outlets in the last seven years, we specialise in flexible leasing solutions that help franchisees expand, upgrade, and thrive—without the burden of large upfront costs.
We have arranged funding from a single Epos terminal in Finland, to a buy out of a large fast food chain totalling over £10mk. Pedigree, knowledge and transparency is what Oak offers.
Why Leasing is the Smart Choice for Fast Food Franchisors
The fast-food industry is highly competitive, requiring franchisors to maintain brand consistency, operational efficiency, and rapid expansion. Finance plays a crucial role in helping fast-food franchisors and their franchisees grow successfully while managing costs effectively.
Faster Expansion with Lower Upfront Costs
Fast-food franchisors rely on opening new locations quickly to capture market share. Leasing reduces the capital required for franchisees to set up their outlets, making it easier to scale without large financial barriers.
Example: Instead of requiring a franchisee to invest £200,000+ in kitchen equipment, they can lease it for an affordable monthly payment, allowing them to open sooner.
Keeps Equipment Modern and Efficient
Fast food relies on speed, efficiency, and consistency. Outdated equipment can slow operations, reduce food quality, and lead to higher maintenance costs. Leasing ensures franchisees always have up-to-date fryers, ovens, grills, and POS systems, keeping the brand competitive.
Example: A franchisee using leased high-speed ovens can upgrade every 4-5 years, ensuring they always meet the latest efficiency and energy standards.
Improves Franchisee Cash Flow and Profitability
Running a fast-food outlet involves ongoing expenses like inventory, wages, and marketing. Leasing prevents franchisees from tying up cash in equipment purchases, allowing them to focus on growing their business. This financial flexibility increases their chances of long-term success.
Example: A franchisee who leases commercial freezers and drink dispensers can use saved capital to invest in staff training and local advertising, driving higher sales.
Supports Standardisation Across All Locations
Fast-food brands thrive on consistency. Finance ensures that all franchisees use the same approved equipment, maintaining brand standards and customer experience. It also simplifies maintenance and supplier relationships.
Example: A global burger chain requiring specific grills and fryers can ensure uniformity across thousands of locations through a structured leasing program.
Enhances Supplier Relationships and Bulk Purchasing Power
Franchisors often have preferred suppliers for kitchen equipment, furniture, and technology. Leasing allows them to negotiate better deals, ensuring franchisees get the right products at competitive prices while maintaining quality control.
Example: A coffee and donut chain that leases espresso machines in bulk for all franchisees can secure lower rates and better service agreements from suppliers.
Adaptability to Changing Market Trends
Fast-food brands need to innovate constantly—whether it’s adding self-service kiosks, upgrading kitchen technology, or introducing new menu items. Leasing allows franchisees to stay ahead without being stuck with outdated equipment.
Example: A chicken franchise adopting AI-driven ordering kiosks can lease the technology, ensuring easy upgrades as customer expectations evolve.
Being in the forefront of equipment leasing in Europe for over thirty years, we fully understand that economic landscape in Germany, France, and across Europe presents unique challenges. Oak Leasing understands these conditions and provides financial strategies that ensure franchisees remain resilient.
Our experience and knowledge has enabled us to have funded over 1000 outlets right across Europe in the last seven years.
In Finland, Poland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, the Dachs region, France, The Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, UK, Italy,Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia, all in the last twelve months.
Not just for one supplier, but multiple suppliers and manufacturers. Equipment varies from Epos, CCTV, Menu Boards, Shoplifting, Air Conditioning, Security, Furniture, the list is almost endless. That is simply European franchise finance!
Navigating Economic Headwinds in Europe.
Oak has provided European franchise equipment finance for over thirty years, we fully understand that economic landscape in Germany, France, and across Europe presents unique challenges. Oak Leasing understands these conditions and provides financial strategies that ensure franchisees remain resilient.
• Germany – The economy is facing higher inflation and interest rates, making access to traditional bank loans more difficult. Leasing provides an alternative financing route that ensures franchisees can expand despite economic uncertainty.
• France – As energy prices and operational costs fluctuate, franchisees need flexible funding solutions to keep their businesses profitable. Leasing allows for predictable, manageable costs.
• Southern & Eastern Europe – Growing demand for fast food and retail franchises in countries like Spain, Italy, and Poland makes expansion attractive, but financial planning is key. Leasing enables franchisees to scale sustainably without overextending their budgets.
Why is Finance the Smart Choice for Franchisees?
Finance is a strategic financial tool that allows fast food and retail franchisees to scale without tying up valuable capital. Benefits include:
• Preserve Working Capital – Avoid large initial investments and maintain liquidity for other critical business needs.
• Accelerate Expansion – Open multiple locations faster with customised leasing options that match your business growth.
• Stay Competitive – Regularly upgrade kitchen equipment, POS systems, store interiors, and signage without financial strain.
• Tax Benefits – Lease payments may be tax-deductible, improving cash flow and profitability.
• Supplier-Backed Finance – Many leading franchisors and suppliers offer financing options, making it easier for franchisees to obtain essential equipment.
Whether you are a new franchisee, expanding franchise operator, or a supplier supporting franchise growth, Oak Leasing is here to help. Our bespoke finance solutions ensure that you have the right funding to succeed.
For franchisors, leasing is not just a financing option—it’s a strategic enabler that drives expansion, maintains brand standards, improves cash flow, and strengthens supplier relationships.
By integrating leasing into their franchise model, franchisors can create a more resilient, scalable, and successful business network.
