Why Choose Us
Hans G. Sohlen, has specialized in capital formation for franchised, distribution and multi-unit retail businesses for the past twenty years. His involvement in franchise transactions totals in excess of three billion dollars.
Mr. Sohlen started up First Bank System's (now US Bank) Franchise Industries Division in 1987. Over a two and a half year period he built a successful Franchise Finance Division with a $170MM portfolio of loans. The business focused on re-financing and re-capitalizing seasoned, multi-unit operators in prominent franchise concepts nationwide. Customers included franchisees/licensees of Jack in the Box, Ben Franklin, Perkins, Burger King, Hardee's and Midas.
In 1990 Mr. Sohlen co-founded SohlenRosenfeld Capital, a company that focused on institutional placement of senior, subordinated and mezzanine financings in the $2-15 million range for franchised and multi-unit retail businesses. Equity and debt placement, advisory and merger and acquisition services were provided to a number of franchisors and concepts including Arrow Prescription Centers, Big O Tires, Bruegger's Bagels, Champion Auto Stores, Deck the Walls, Grease Monkey International, Perkins, Peter Piper Pizza and TGI Friday's.
Mr. Sohlen joined Atherton Capital as Senior Vice President in 1997. He originated and funded over $250 million in foodservice, quick lube and gas stations/convenience store loans such as Applebee's, Arby's, Burger King, Dairy Queen, Denny's, Jiffy Lube, KFC, Midas and Wendy's.
Mr. Sohlen formed Sohlen Franchise Advisors in 2001 and has completed in excess of 30 financial restructures for franchise operators in a variety of fast food and casual dining brands. Examples of advisory services related to these restructures, and other acquisitions, divestitures and capital structure plans are outlined under Representative Transactions.
Cathy Davis has over fifteen years of financial advisory experience in real estate acquisition & development, sale and leaseback, loan origination, and financial restructure. She has spent most of her career working in the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) and Casual Dining industry.
Cathy Davis has worked closely with a prominent restaurant focused law firm to provide financial analysis, business valuation and business plans, and project management related to mergers and acquisitions, debt placement, restructures and franchise finance programs. She has worked on longer-term projects for companies such as Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc., to negotiate pricing and relationship terms with new developer partners. She supported the real estate department with new unit growth (from site selection to financing and development) and again with lease administration. Davis' statistical analysis of store performance, demographics, and restaurant prototype variables supported the executive team's decisions related to site selection criteria, restaurant size and market viability.
Hans Sohlen and Cathy Davis have worked together for over ten years helping their clients through all stages of business growth - from business plan to capital formation, growth and development, acquisitions, partner buy-outs, restructures, divestiture and succession planning. Their broad industry knowledge, experience and consultative approach provide the right balance to guide their clients through the rewards and challenges of multi-unit ownership.
Ms. Davis managed small and medium sized businesses relationships while at US Bank Corporation; she provided sale/leaseback financing to restaurant and retail operators while at AEI Fund Management, and she partnered with Hans Sohlen at Atherton Capital.