Here's What Should "Never" be Negotiated in a Franchise Agreement
Company Added
Company Removed
Apply to Request List

Here's What Should "Never" be Negotiated in a Franchise Agreement

Here's What Should

We recently gave a presentation at the International Franchise Expo in New York City on the "Top Ten Provisions to 'Never' Negotiate in a Franchise Agreement" and want to share the highlights of that presentation. In this first article we will focus on central themes of franchise negotiation from the perspective of both the franchisor and franchisee.

Before we begin the discussion of negotiation, let's briefly touch on the top ten provisions of franchise agreements that will be covered in coming articles:

  1. "Then-current" form of Franchise Agreement
  2. Reservation of Rights
  3. Right of First Refusal
  4. Marketing Fund
  5. Renewal
  6. Changing Marks/Renovations/Upgrades
  7. Termination/Cure Period
  8. Indemnification
  9. Assignment
  10. Personal Guaranty

In each of the articles, we will discuss the typical provision in a franchise agreement, the typical request by a franchisee, and how both a franchisee and franchisor may argue for its respective provision or revision.

We want to briefly touch on why a franchisor may want to, or in certain circumstances be required to, negotiate provisions of its franchise agreement. First, economic factors may contribute to negotiation points. As the economy ebbs and flows, the sales of franchises often will follow. A franchisor may have to grant more concessions in a bad economy, or vice versa, in order to make a franchise sale.

Second, if an emerging brand, a franchisor may need to offer its original franchisees a more incentivized franchise package than an established franchisor would. Similarly, if a franchisor is trying to entice a multi-unit franchisee or a franchisee that has experience in operating other franchised businesses to join its franchise system, a franchisor may have to "sweeten the pot" and offer more concessions than it would a standard-single unit-franchisee.

Additionally, if a franchisor is expanding internationally, similarly to an emerging brand, a new franchisee will be developing the brand in an entirely different country, often with no brand recognition. As such, it may need further incentives to take on this additional obligation.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, certain states require that a franchisor amend certain portions of its franchise agreement via a state law addendum. Generally, these changes relate to dispute resolution procedures, governing law, and termination procedures. Further, if you negotiate changes with franchisees in California, you are required to comply with the Negotiated Changes Law in California which mandates disclosure of all material revisions to the franchise documents granted to California franchisees to all California prospects for a year from the closing of the negotiated deal.

The next article in this series will focus on practice pointers if a franchisor chooses to, or is required to, negotiate a franchise agreement.

 Megan B. Center and Alexander S. Radus are partners with Fox Rothschild, LLP. John Gotaskie is a partner with Fox Rothschild, LLP.

Published: December 5th, 2018

Share this Feature

Wienerschnitzel
SPONSORED CONTENT
Wienerschnitzel
SPONSORED CONTENT
Wienerschnitzel
SPONSORED CONTENT

Recommended Reading:

Comments:

comments powered by Disqus
Movita Juice Bar
ADVERTISE SPONSORED CONTENT

FRANCHISE TOPICS

Smoothie King
ADVERTISE SPONSORED CONTENT
Conferences
Caesar's Forum, Las Vegas
MAR 25-28TH, 2025

Shakeaway is a unique global company with stores popping up all over the world! Get involved in this fun, fast growing and profitable franchise now...
Request Info
Anytime Fitness makes wellness approachable for millions of members and gives franchisees the opportunity to be a part of a worldwide family of...
Cash Required:
$225,000
Request Info

Share This Page

Subscribe to our Newsletters