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7 min read

Consequences of Terminating a Franchise Agreement

By Ana Haarsma on Jul 22, 2024 11:48:44 AM

Terminating a franchise agreement can have significant consequences.

Economic conditions in Australia remain challenging, placing pressure on both franchisees and franchisors.

According to IBIS1, while the COVID pandemic hampered the performance of franchised businesses over 2020 and 2021, post-pandemic conditions have continued to be difficult. In particular, interest rate rises have caused spending on franchised goods and services to decrease. 

While franchise agreements will generally contain post termination provisions designed to protect the franchisor's brand, data suggests that replacing a franchisee may not be a simple process.

Recent figures cited in the Independent Review of the Franchising Code of Conduct indicate that from 2014 to 2023 the number of franchisees in Australia declined by approximately 5.2%.

Additionally, post termination provisions contained in a franchise agreement may negatively impact the franchisee if the franchisee wishes to operate an independent business.

 

What Happens When a Franchise Agreement is Terminated?

What are the Consequences for a Franchisee when a Franchise Agreement is Terminated?

What are the Consequences for a Franchisor when a Franchise Agreement is Terminated?

 

Topics: Featured For Franchisors For Franchisees Exiting A Franchise
10 min read

2023 Review of the Franchising Code - Government Response

By Ana Haarsma on Jul 7, 2024 8:10:19 AM

On 7 May 2024, the Minister for Small Business, the Hon Julie Collins MP, released the Australian Government's response to the Independent Review of the Franchising Code of Conduct. In this article we consider the recommendations of the Independent Review together with the Government's response.

Topics: Featured Franchising For Franchisors For Franchisees
7 min read

Confidentiality Agreements: A Comprehensive Guide

By Stephen Haarsma on Jul 4, 2024 9:53:44 AM

In today’s business world, the exchange of sensitive information is a common and often necessary practice. Whether it’s during negotiations for the purchase of a franchise business, the entry into a franchise agreement, or the hiring of a new employee, ensuring that this information remains protected is crucial. One of the most effective tools for safeguarding such information is a confidentiality agreement or the inclusion of a confidentiality clause in an agreement.

What is A Franchise Agreement?

 

Topics: Featured For Franchisors For Franchisees Branding
6 min read

How Much Autonomy Do Franchisees Have In Operating Their Business?

By Ana Haarsma on Apr 24, 2024 9:38:13 PM

One of the disadvantages of buying a franchise is the lack of independence or autonomy in operating the franchise, and the restrictions on decision-making [The advantages and disadvantages of franchising]. How much autonomy a franchisee has in operating their franchise business, will depend on the franchisor, the business operation that the franchisee is wanting to do differently and the reasons why the franchisee is wanting to depart from the franchise offering. While there is a case to be made for some franchisee autonomy, this needs to be balanced with brand consistency

What is Franchise Autonomy?
Can Franchisees Adapt Operational Procedures?
Are Franchisees Able to Introduce New Products or Services?
What Level of Autonomy do Franchisees Have in Local Marketing?
Can Franchisees Negotiate with Suppliers Independently?
Challenges of Franchisee Autonomy
Strategies for Balancing Autonomy and Consistency
The Future of Franchisee Autonomy 

 

Topics: Featured For Franchisors For Franchisees
4 min read

Franchisee Social Media Guidelines: A Comprehensive Overview

By Ana Haarsma on Apr 19, 2024 12:47:14 PM

Explore the importance of social media policy for franchisees and how it can benefit their businesses.

 

Topics: Featured Brand Consistency For Franchisors For Franchisees Branding
5 min read

Legal Challenges to Restraint of Trade Clauses in Franchising: What Franchisees Need to Know

By Ana Haarsma on Apr 5, 2024 6:59:10 AM

Restraint of trade clauses are common in franchise agreements and are designed to protect the franchisor's legitimate business interests.

It is important for franchisees to carefully review and understand the restraint of trade clauses in their franchise agreements to ensure compliance and avoid potential legal issues.

 

Topics: Featured Franchising For Franchisees Dispute Resolution
4 min read

The New Right To Disconnect Law In Australia

By Joseph Haarsma on Mar 19, 2024 3:42:58 PM

In this article we will consider how the new "Right to Disconnect" law in Australia impacts employees and employers and what factors both employees and employers need to take into account when communicating outside of work hours.

 

Topics: Featured For Franchisors For Franchisees
11 min read

2023 Review of the Franchising Code - Key Findings and Recommendations

By Ana Haarsma on Feb 28, 2024 12:26:52 PM

On 8 February 2024, the Minister for Small Business, the Hon Julie Collins MP, released the Independent Review of the Franchising Code of Conduct by Dr Michael Schaper. In this article we consider the key findings and recommendations of the Independent Review.

Topics: Featured Franchising For Franchisors For Franchisees
6 min read

Are Franchise Agreements Negotiable? Exploring Your Options

By Stephen Haarsma on Dec 12, 2023 4:26:36 PM

Traditionally, franchise agreements were not negotiable. However, in our experience, franchisors have become more willing to negotiate terms and obligations contained in a franchise agreement. This trend is likely to be further influenced by the Unfair Contracts Regime which applies to small business standard form contracts. A franchisor who is open to negotiating key terms in a franchise agreement, may be less likely to have the franchise agreement considered a standard form contract.

 

Topics: Featured Franchising For Franchisees
6 min read

Disadvantages of Franchising - Loss of Control

By Ana Haarsma on Oct 6, 2023 12:13:23 PM

 

Topics: Featured Franchising For Franchisors Franchise My Business