The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word AFFILIATE
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
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More clues leading to the result AFFILIATE
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "branch" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case branch = affiliate.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does AFFILIATE mean?
AFFILIATE noun- Someone or something, especially, a television station, that is associated with a larger, related organization, such as a television network; a member of a group of associated things.
- To adopt; to receive into a family as one's offspring
- To bring or receive into close connection; to ally.
- (said of an illegitimate child) To fix the paternity of
- To connect in the way of descent; to trace origin to.
- (followed by "to" or "with") To attach (to) or unite (with); to receive into a society as a member, and initiate into its mysteries, plans, etc.