Risk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$262,646 - $496,996
Franchise Fee
$15,000
Min Cash Required
$100,000
Total US Locations
737
Business Summary
Batteries Plus operates stores that sell a wide variety of batteries, light bulbs, and related products to both commercial accounts and retail customers. Batteries Plus also offers device repair services, including screen and battery repair for smartphones and tablets, as well as key fob repair and replacement services.
Corporate History
Batteries Plus opened its first retail store in November 1988, marking the beginning of its business concept. The company, Batteries Plus, L.L.C., was formally established as a Wisconsin limited liability company in August 1996, which is also when it began offering Batteries Plus franchises. The brand transitioned from "Batteries Plus" to "Batteries Plus Bulbs" between 2012 and 2020, but new stores now operate under the "Batteries Plus" mark, with older stores gradually making the same transition. Since July 2016, Batteries Plus has been controlled by affiliates of Freeman Spogli & Co., a private equity firm.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$262,646 - $496,996
Franchise Fee (Low)
$15,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$44,500
Minimum Cash Required
$100,000
Royalty %
5%
Marketing %
5%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$48,360
Equipment Costs (High)
$181,860
Working Capital
$42,500
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
Batteries Plus's consolidated financial statements indicate strong net cash provided by operating activities, totaling $41,692 thousand in 2024 and $63,527 thousand in 2023. The company also holds significant goodwill and other intangible assets. A notable aspect of Batteries Plus's financial health is its role in guaranteeing a loan agreement for its parent company, Holdings, which had an unpaid balance of $226,600 thousand as of December 31, 2024. Batteries Plus also guarantees a securities purchase agreement for BPB Holding Corp. with a purchase price of $99,040 thousand. Auditors have issued an unqualified opinion on the financial statements, indicating no significant concerns about the company's ability to continue as a going concern.
Financing Details
Batteries Plus does not offer any direct or indirect financing to its franchisees and does not guarantee any notes, leases, or other obligations. However, Batteries Plus franchisees may qualify for expedited Small Business Administration (SBA) loan processing through the SBA's Franchise Registry Program.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
737
Franchised Units
604
Corporate Units
133
Avg Square Footage
1,300
Franchising Since
1996
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
Yes
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Count
2
Litigation Summary
Batteries Plus has two active litigation cases. One case, filed in December 2023 by a former franchisee, alleges that Batteries Plus breached the franchise agreement and misrepresented financial projections and protected territory information, seeking approximately $629,000 in damages. Batteries Plus has countersued for lost future franchise fees. An arbitration hearing for this case occurred in February 2025, with a decision pending for some claims. The other case, filed in August 2024, involves Batteries Plus suing a former franchisee to recover outstanding amounts owed.
Bankruptcy History
Batteries Plus has no bankruptcy history to report.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
10 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew, Batteries Plus franchisees must provide advance written notice of their intent to renew at least 180 days before the agreement ends. They must be in full compliance with the current Franchise Agreement, including all financial obligations and operating standards. The franchisee and their Store Manager must successfully complete any new or refresher training programs, and the franchisee and its Principal Owners must meet Batteries Plus's current managerial, financial, and business standards for new and renewing franchisees. Franchisees are also required to sign a new franchise agreement, which may contain materially different terms, remodel their store to meet current standards, pay a renewal fee, an Omni-Channel access renewal fee, and sign a general release of claims.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Batteries Plus provides extensive support to its franchisees, starting with pre-opening assistance that includes site evaluation, prototype store drawings and specifications, and comprehensive initial training programs covering commercial sales, device repair, and retail operations. Franchisees also receive access to the confidential Operations Manual and the Batteries Plus intranet, as well as the Retail Management System. After opening, Batteries Plus offers ongoing assistance such as a field consultant for the first seven days, advisory services on various operational issues, and periodic updates to the Operations Manual. Batteries Plus also manages a National Marketing Fund, operates an Omni-Channel Program, and offers mandatory Commercial as a Service and Inventory Planning as a Service programs for new franchisees for the first 12 months of operation.
Initial Training Hours
212
Training Location
Corporate training center in Pewaukee, WI, in a designated Batteries Plus store, and online.
Ongoing Support
After a Batteries Plus store opens, franchisees receive ongoing support including advisory services on store operations, products, purchasing, and marketing, as well as periodic updates to the Operations Manual. A field consultant assists with initial operations for a minimum of seven days. Batteries Plus also manages a National Marketing Fund, operates an Omni-Channel Program for electronic sales, and offers Commercial as a Service and Inventory Planning as a Service programs, which are mandatory for new franchisees for the first 12 months of store operations. Franchisees and Store Managers are also required to attend annual conferences and regional meetings, and may be required to participate in supplemental or refresher training programs.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
Batteries Plus seeks franchisees who are financially capable, with a minimum of $100,000 in personal cash or liquid assets. The ideal candidate must be prepared for direct, hands-on supervision of their store or, if they hire an approved operating manager, remain actively involved in overseeing store operations and complete a designated investor training program. For multi-unit franchisees, the Principal Owner or operating manager must devote full-time effort to managing development and operations of stores under the agreement, though they are not required to be involved in the day-to-day operations of each individual store.
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
No
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
Retail
Owner Participation
Hands-On
Territory Type
Protected
Territory Size Requirements
Each Batteries Plus franchisee receives a "Protected Area" for their store. This area is defined as the lesser of a 3-mile radius around the store location or a geographic area encompassing 150,000 people.
Staffing Notes
Batteries Plus stores require a specific staffing structure to ensure proper operation. The store must always be under the direct supervision of the franchisee, a Principal Owner, or an approved operating manager who has completed required training. If an operating manager is in charge, the franchisee or Principal Owner must remain actively involved in overseeing operations and ensure at least two approved Store Managers are on staff. Additionally, at least two individuals (including the franchisee and a proposed employee for new stores) must complete the Device Repair Training Program, and a WISE Certified Device Repair Technician is expected to be on staff during all operating hours. The Device Repair Technician is responsible for training other employees within 30 days of opening. Franchisees must maintain a sufficient number of trained employees to meet Batteries Plus's brand standards.