A global benchmark in dry-cleaning franchising

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In this article you will learn

• What the 5àsec brand does and what distinguishes its franchise model from other service networks in Europe.

• In which countries 5àsec operates and how extensive its international franchise network is.

• What requirements must be met to become a franchisee and how the joining process works in practice.

• How much capital is needed to open a 5àsec outlet and what ongoing fees franchise owners must pay.

• What type of support the franchisor provides, what responsibilities franchisees have and what future growth plans the brand is pursuing.

5àsec is an international franchise network specializing in professional dry cleaning, laundry and textile care services. The brand offers a wide range of services, including dry cleaning, wet cleaning, ironing, garment alterations and specialized fabric treatments. What makes the 5àsec franchise unique is its strong focus on industrialized processes, standardized quality and technological innovation in a traditionally fragmented sector. Since its creation in 1968 in Marseille, the company has continuously invested in modern equipment, environmentally responsible cleaning methods and a recognizable store concept. This combination allows franchisees to operate an efficient, high-quality service under a well-established European brand that is trusted by consumers.

Global presence and franchisee profile

Over the decades, 5àsec has expanded far beyond its home market and today operates a large international network of nearly 1,900 outlets in more than 30 countries across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Latin America. The brand is particularly well established in France and other European markets, while also maintaining a strong footprint in emerging economies through master franchise agreements. To become a 5àsec franchisee, candidates usually apply directly to the brand or to a local master franchise partner. The company looks for entrepreneurs with strong managerial skills, customer-service orientation and sufficient financial capacity rather than prior experience in textile care. New franchisees receive structured training and operational preparation before opening their outlet, ensuring that they are able to meet the brand’s standards from day one.

Investment, support and future development

Joining the 5àsec network requires a significant financial commitment that reflects the technical nature of the business. The initial franchise fee is typically around €15,000, while the total investment for opening a standard outlet generally ranges between €115,000 and €165,000, depending on the country, location and size of the store. Franchisees also pay ongoing fees, which usually include a royalty of approximately 4 percent of turnover and a marketing contribution of around 2 percent. In return, 5àsec provides extensive support, including initial and ongoing training, assistance with site selection and store design, access to approved equipment, operational know-how and national or international marketing campaigns. Well-managed outlets can achieve annual revenues of around €250,000 in mature markets, although results depend on location and management quality. Franchisees are responsible for daily operations, staff management, customer relations and compliance with brand standards. Looking ahead, 5àsec plans to continue its international expansion, particularly in high-growth markets, while further strengthening its focus on sustainability and innovation in textile care.

Main conclusions

The 5àsec franchise represents a mature and well-structured service concept with a long-standing presence in the European and global market. With nearly 1,900 outlets operating in more than 30 countries, the brand demonstrates strong scalability and international recognition built over several decades.

From an investment perspective, the entry level is clearly defined. An initial investment of approximately €115,000–€165,000 and a franchise fee of around €15,000 place 5àsec in the mid-range of service franchises, while ongoing royalties of about 6 percent of turnover (royalty and marketing combined) reflect standard market practice. In return, franchisees gain access to a proven operational system, centralized know-how and brand support.

Financially, the reported average annual revenue of around €250,000 per outlet in mature markets indicates solid earning potential, provided that the location is well chosen and operations are efficiently managed. The model is particularly attractive for entrepreneurs seeking a non-food, service-based franchise with recurring customer demand.

Overall, 5àsec can be seen as a stable franchise opportunity for investors looking for an established brand, clear financial parameters and continued international expansion, especially in markets where professional textile care services are still developing.

Author

Marian Bomba

Journalist