has anyone ever seen a qualified plan set up for a franchisor and franchisees such as mcdonlalds or burger king? any pitflalls in having the franchisor sponsor such a plan for the franchisees?

This is not my area of expertise, but I would think you would have a multiple employer plan and would have to set the document up that way, especially if the franchisees are truly independent companies.

It's also very easy to get caught with coverage problems, especially if the franchisor "buys back" from the "franchisees" when they want to get out.

Perhaps someone else could shed a little more light on this.

I do one for an Arby's and one for a bunch of "name" hotels. The common thread is that they are run by corporations 100% owned by my clients. No affiliations with the franchisor except they share a common name.