Murphy Business: Leading the Way in Business Brokerage Services

Established in 1994 by Roger J. Murphy, Murphy Business & Financial Corporation LLC has grown into one of the most recognized business brokerage firms in North America. With its headquarters in Clearwater, Florida, the company has developed from a single location into a robust network spanning both the United States and Canada.

Murphy Business offers a comprehensive suite of brokerage services. These include the sale and acquisition of businesses, franchise sales and resales, business valuations, mergers and acquisitions, commercial real estate transactions, and machinery and equipment sales. The firm also provides strategic consulting to help clients navigate complex business decisions.

What sets Murphy Business apart is its refined process for valuing and marketing businesses, supported by a strong commitment to professional standards and personalized service. This structured, high-integrity approach has made the firm a trusted name in the industry.

In 2006, Murphy Business launched its franchise program, allowing individuals to own and operate their own business brokerage without the need for a physical storefront or large staffing overhead. This “capital-light” model has made it an attractive option for aspiring business brokers seeking low initial investment and flexible operations.

Training

Murphy Business provides a well-structured training program to ensure franchisees are adequately prepared to operate their business. The Franchisor delivers a mix of online, classroom, and ongoing training components to support various franchise formats.

1. Online Training: Required before opening, this training spans approximately 45 hours and is included with the franchise fee for one individual (Limited Term Franchise) or two individuals (Location Franchise). It must be completed to the Franchisor’s satisfaction before attending classroom sessions.
2. Classroom Training: Conducted over 4 to 5 days at Murphy Business’s headquarters in Clearwater, Florida, or another designated site, this training supplements the online component and is essential for franchise launch. It covers business operations, marketing, and system usage.
3. Training Materials: Franchisees receive a 279-page Training Manual and a 201-page Operations Manual, both of which guide them through detailed operational standards and procedures.
4. Refresher and Successor Training: Additional training sessions may be required, especially when renewing the franchise or adding new personnel. Attendance fees and expenses for extra participants apply.
5. Additional Trainee Training: If the franchisee requests training for more individuals than the included allotment, an additional trainee fee applies, and the franchisee bears all associated costs.

Territory Protection

Murphy Business provides its franchisees with a Market Area that includes limited territorial protection. Within this designated area, no other Murphy Business franchisee can market without prior consent from the Franchisor. However, this protection is conditional and may be altered if the franchisee fails to meet minimum sales requirements—specifically, at least one transaction per 12-month period after the first year.

The franchisee is expected to restrict all public relations, marketing, and promotional activities to their own Market Area.

While they are permitted to accept clients from outside this area, proactive marketing such as telemarketing or targeted online ads beyond their boundaries is prohibited unless approved in writing. Additionally, Murphy reserves the right to reduce the Market Area or allow others to operate within it if more than 11,000 businesses are identified in the territory.