Franchising

We understand that franchising is a complex and unique contractual relationship, built on mutual trust and respect.

Franchising a business

We help business owners in assessing whether and how to franchise their business by advising on:

• Things to consider before franchising
• Methods to assess if a business can be franchised
• Steps to franchise a business
• Resources required to develop a franchise system
• Roles and obligations of franchisors and franchisees.

Establishing and growing franchise systems

We help franchisors establish and grow their franchise system by:

• Developing legal structures that promote profitable franchise operations
• Preparing commercial and legal franchise documents including franchise agreements and disclosure documents
• Preparing business associated documents including supply and lease agreements
• Assisting in the pre-contract negotiation process to ensure proper and adequate representations are made about the franchise
• Protecting franchise intellectual property, including advising on how to protect confidential franchise know-how
• Giving advice on expanding existing franchise systems, including expanding into Australia
• Advising on restructuring existing franchise models, as a result of franchise expansion and for future proofing.

Purchasing existing franchises

We help franchisees purchase existing franchises by:

• Reviewing and advising on the franchise and associated documentation
• Advising on the potential impact of franchise terms on the franchise business including term, territory, fees and restraint of trade
• Preparing offer documentation
• Assisting in the pre-contract negotiation process including lease negotiations
• Advising on and establishing an appropriate vehicle for operating the franchise business
• Assisting in obtaining business finance
• Assisting in the settlement process.

Our team has also assisted both franchisors and franchisees to successfully resolve franchise disputes.