Franchising

We understand the challenges faced when considering converting a business into a franchise and can advise on all aspects of franchising as well as other forms of distribution channel and hybrid arrangements, such as reseller, brand licensing and joint ventures. We are an experienced team and Affiliates of the British Franchise Association.

Our breadth of expertise means that we can offer support across the full range of legal issues that you will face in the course of establishing and rolling out your franchise business, working alongside you to ensure it is a success.

Our team has experience working with household names and to start-up companies. That experience enables us to pre-empt the commercial and legal challenges that you may face and deliver valuable solutions.

Franchise agreement

We will draft the franchise agreement: these can be quite complex, but at the heart the franchisor allows the franchisee to use its brand, provides training and support to the franchisee; and the franchisee agrees to operate under the franchisor’s requirements including the manual, and to pay the franchisor.

Ancillary documents

Drafting pre-contract or confidentiality agreements, as well as ad-hoc side letters where variations have been agreed and preparing deeds of termination where there has been an agreement between the franchisee and franchisor to terminate early.

Brand and Trade Marks

Initial trade mark strategy advice; managing trade mark portfolios, including applications and administration.

Terms of Business

Revising customer terms and conditions of business for use by franchisees across the network.

Franchise Resales

We will advise buyers and sellers when franchise businesses are sold, handling the end-to-end transaction.

International Expansion

We advise fast growing franchise businesses on the routes to expansion in overseas territories, including master licence agreements and area development agreements.

Real Estate

We can provide detailed guidance concerning the best structure for the franchisor in relation to any Real Estate required for the franchise to be successful. We have the necessary experience and expertise to guide any franchisor at any stage of store and unit roll out.