Karlsruhe, September 14, 2011 +++ BrandMaker, the largest European provider of Marketing Resource Management (MRM) systems, is cooperating with the Deutscher Franchise-Verband e. V. (DFV). The object of the cooperation is the association’s own Internet purchasing platform Business Community, which BrandMaker uses to inform people about special solutions for association members. BrandMaker’s MRM solutions simplify the adaptation of centrally-provided advertising materials for local markets and they are thus predestined for franchise systems and comparable bilateral or multi-lateral marketing situations. BrandMaker CEO Mirko Holzer explains the reasons behind this: “Franchisees who act independently must distinguish themselves from the competition on the local market. To do this, they need custom-tailored marketing support from the franchise provider. With our solutions, the franchise provider can bridge that tricky gap between standardization and localization in marketing because he can give the franchisee more play to design local marketing. This is a win-win scenario for both sides.”

Franchise systems distinguish themselves on the one hand through the strong central brand of the franchise provider, and on the other hand through the individual actions of local franchisees. BrandMaker’s Web-based MRM system brings both sides together in a seamless process and enables the efficient adaptation of centrally provided marketing materials for decentralized sales structures.

MRM systems support the entire marketing process – from planning, budgeting, and performance evaluation on through to the creation, individualization, and distribution of advertising materials. The MRM software makes available all of the marketing-relevant information including the company logo, pictures, and templates, and documents. Employees can order give-aways and POS material centrally: from signs for the local sports club to flyers in the local newspaper, all relevant means of advertising can be called up and localized. The system is also capable of individualizing marketing or graphic layouts, advertisements, and brochures on the basis of corporate design compliant layouts. This way, companies can ensure corporate design compliant communication despite decentral adaptation. “This results in maximum brand protection and minimizes the need for all participants to agree on and approve advertising measures. Decentrally-organized companies are thus faster on the market,” says Mirko Holzer of the advantages for franchise companies.

A survey taken by the DFV of 100 people interested in franchises identified a clear trend toward more co-determination and freedom to make decisions. “Even a properly-regulated franchise system is well-advised to remain flexible with respect to local markets, for the branch office fails when it attempts to establish a brand identity on the local level; and this can also damage the franchise brand,” according to the experience of Dr. Dieter Fröhlich, the President of the Deutscher Franchise Verband e.V., who rates the optimal usage of synergies an important criterion for success in the franchise business. Thanks to the cooperation with BrandMaker, the Deutscher Franchise Verband can give its members a tool with which the promise “Marketing global brands locally” can actually be fulfilled and implemented in practice.

About BrandMaker
BrandMaker is the leading provider of Marketing Resource Management (MRM) systems in Europe. Founded in 1999 as pi-consult GmbH, the company has used the name BrandMaker GmbH since 2009 and focused exclusively on the development and marketing of demanding software solutions for the marketing departments of medium-sized and large organizations. BrandMaker is headquartered in Karlsruhe and currently employs approximately 170 people. The software by the same name is an extensive, modular MRM solution that optimizes the entire marketing process chain, makes marketing operations easier, and increases productivity in marketing significantly. There are BrandMaker modules for the implementation of market portals, software-supported marketing planning, media asset management, the automatic creation of online and print media, as well as centrally-controlled local area marketing.

Well-known companies that use the BrandMaker solutions in their communications and marketing departments include the Dutch retail company C1000, Commerzbank, DekaBank, Ernst & Young, EnBW, SaraLee, Schenker Deutschland, UBS, and ZF Services. BrandMaker, Inc., the subsidiary headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia (USA) is responsible for the American market.


About the Deutscher Franchise-Verband e. V.
The Deutsche Franchise-Verband e.V. (DFV) was established in 1978 as the central representative and quality association for the German franchise business. The DFV regards itself primarily as an association for franchise providers and franchisees, however at the same time it profits from the expertise of associated franchise attorneys and franchise consultants. Currently, the Deutscher Franchise-Verband e.V. has approximately 285 members.

The DFV assists franchise systems – whether for national or international companies – with establishing themselves on the German market as well as German systems during their expansion abroad; it also offers interested parties assistance with franchise-specific questions.

About Business Community – the franchise purchasing association:
Business Community – an initiative of the Deutscher Franchise-Verbandes e.V.
Thanks to the bundling of purchasing potential, it is possible to offer exclusive and attractive conditions, services, and added value. VIP status ensures individual service and comfort. Thanks to the free information service, users are always informed early on and in detail about innovations, special offers, and current events.
Innovative industry and system solutions are generated jointly with suppliers. The certification of the suppliers guarantees the greatest possible degree of professionalism as well as security and fairness. For internal events (franchise meetings, conventions, etc.), Business Community supports these by incorporating select suppliers for exhibitions, lectures, workshops, and sponsorings.

Thus, Business Community creates advantageous business contacts for more business and success.

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