Consumer Unions are specialized collectively-owned corporations whose sole purpose is to provide their members with cheap high-quality goods and services. They are considered to be Indi companies and a therefore are not legal entities, but their purchasing power and political influence make them fairly independent in most areas, and their pronouncements are closely watched by the SLA Industries. The largest consumer union is United Consumers.
Franchises are unique business enterprises which actually have a guiding philosophy. Franchises provides goods and services in a standardized fashion and follow their 'mission statements' to the letter.
For example, the Monarch Security Franchise is basically a large mercenary operation which maintains strict codes of behaviour, makes mass CAF purchases, enforces contracts, and brings professional management practise to a rather disreputable activity. MSF is successful because their member-franchisees follow strict regulations on behaviour (no looting, etc), efficiency, training, objectives, fees, and even cleanliness. A MSF contract is ironclad. MSF signs on only the best professionals and runs a tight ship.
Other franchises include:
Holy Trinity — a Karma-sponsored health services corporation which promotes healing through science and religious principles.
DataGenesis — a franchise which creates beautiful 'organic' data structures and promotes the idea of information as a new life form.