Franchising
Franchising requires a level of specialist expertise right from the beginning to ensure a smooth transition and the development of a successful relationship between franchisor and franchisee.
Our solicitors' first hand experience of franchising matters means we offer an informed, practical and personal service. We work closely with our clients from the start, helping to minimise the risk and avoid potentially expensive problems at a later date.
Our team can advise on all aspects of franchising including ongoing day to day concerns. We can draw upon many years of experience acting mainly on behalf of franchisees, many of whom have franchises with household names, and a number of franchisors.
We also work closely with other professionals including accountants, insurance brokers, banks and franchise consultants to assess any franchise opportunity
Franchisees
We can assist you with
- Franchise Agreements – report and advice
- Advice on the legal aspects of the Operating Manual
- Property and planning aspects
- Preparing ancillary documentation including shareholders agreements
- Franchise sale and purchase agreements
- Franchise restructuring
- Renewal of franchises
- Termination of franchises
- Employment matters
- Company administration and meetings
- Resolving disputes with franchisors
Franchisors
We can assist you with
- Advice on the viability of franchising an existing business
- Advice on the protection of the brand and know how
- Prepare franchise agreements and supporting documentation such as confidentiality agreements; terms and conditions of business; and software licences
- A legal review of the franchise prospectus and marketing material
- Ensure existing franchise agreements conform to legislative changes and competition law changes
- Advice on franchise property issues including reviewing existing arrangements and identifying alternatives
- Advice on conflicts with franchisees, including enforcement of contract terms and termination of franchises
- Preparing template documentation for use in resales
Our Team
Richard Rose
Richard has over 30 years experience in commercial law and specialises in the area of business acquisitions and disposals. He advises corporate clients on general and strategic issues, general corporate and commercial transactions and management buy-outs. Richard has substantial experience in franchising, having acted for a variety of franchisors and franchisees over the last 30 years.
Hannah White
Hannah trained with City firm Nabarro in London and joined Morrisons as an Assistant Solicitor in July 2006, and specialises in Commercial Property. Her franchising experience includes acting for franchisees of a national hairdressing franchise and a national fast food chain. Hannah has acted for franchisee clients in relation to both leasehold property and freehold acquisitions. This includes advising clients on the extent of their property obligations, for example under a lease, in relation to their obligations under their franchising agreements and other documents related to the franchise.
Kellie Williams-Jauvel
Kellie has broad experience in general contractual disputes of all kinds, insolvency, partnership and shareholder disputes. Conducting matters principally based in the county and high courts, Kellie also has experience of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
Kellie has acted on a wide range of matters involving both residential and commercial landlord and tenant issues, for both individuals and as part of corporate recovery schemes (e.g. possession actions, service charge disputes, lease renewal and forfeiture).
Natalie Wood
Natalie trained with City firm CMS Cameron McKenna in London and also has previous experience within industry. Her franchising experience includes acting for several franchisees and assisting an expense reduction franchise to obtain key amendments to standard franchise agreements. Her other company commercial experience, includes: joint ventures and other commercial arrangements, partnership, business and share sales, distribution and agency agreements, software and other IP licences and agreements, company law formalities, shareholder disputes and agreements, director's and shareholder's rights, data protection and product regulation.