Small Business Owner Fights Back Against Private Equity Giant

Small Business Owner Battles Private Equity Giant After Franchise Termination In a David-versus-Goliath story unfolding in Arizona, Tiffany Cianci, owner of a The Little Gym franchise, is fighting back against Unleashed Brands, a large company owned by Seidler Equity Partners. Cianci's story highlights the alleged aggressive tactics some private equity firms employ after acquiring franchise businesses. After organizing a franchisee association, Cianci's contract was unexpectedly terminated. The video shows interview clips of Cianci describing the stress and emotional toll of this experience, particularly as it coincided with a high-risk pregnancy. "They exploited all of my relationships," Cianci stated in the interview, referring to the support network she had built among other small business owners. Unleashed Brands' actions, including legal challenges and attempts to compel Cianci to participate in depositions while in labor, raised serious concerns about ethical business practices. The case underscores the power imbalance between large corporations and individual franchise owners, prompting discussions about the need for greater protections for small businesses.