Before making any commitment, or paying any money, it is essential that prospective franchisees take appropriate professional advice from an experienced franchise solicitor. Remember a franchise contract is long-term, the money you spend on expert solicitors' advice could be one of the best investments you make.
For a list of franchise solicitors, all members of the British Franchise Association, please visit our Franchise Solicitor Directory.
There are various legal stages that you will have to go through before you buy a franchise. Find out the franchise legal stages
In order to become a franchisee you will have to enter into a legal agreement with the franchisor, known as the franchise agreement. Find out what is included in the franchise agreement
Most franchise agreements contain a provision to the effect that if the franchisee wants to sell its business, the consent of the franchisor is required, but that the franchisor will not unreasonably withhold that consent. Find out more about this provision
A franchise relationship, as with a marriage, can come to an end. You need to therefore look at how can the two parties withdraw from a relationship in which they have freely shared each other's business plans and secrets with a degree of fairness? And how can the franchisor ensure that the departing franchisee does not become a competitor to himself and the franchisees remaining in the system? Find out what happens if it all goes wrong
David Bigmore is the founder of David Bigmore & Co, Solicitors, based in the North West and the City of London. The firm is recognised as one of the leading legal firms in the UK specialising in Franchise Law.
To ask David a question click here.
David has extensive experience in advising franchisees and franchisors over many years.
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Angus is a partner in WJM, one of Scotland's leading law firms, and head of the multi-disciplinary franchising team.
To ask Angus a question click here
Mark is a partner in the London office of the European law firm, Field Fisher Waterhouse. He specialises in advising upon Franchising and Licensing. He has 28 years experience of advising on all aspects of international and domestic franchising.
To ask Mark a question click here