How can an Aerus franchisee access the annual statement of the System Media Fund's operations?
Aerus Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
-
- The System Media Fund is not and will not be used for ordinary operating expenses of our company, and it is not a trust. We do not assume any fiduciary obligation to you or any other franchisee for maintaining, directing, or administering the System Media Fund or for any other reason. We will prepare annually a statement of the operations of the System Media Fund as shown on the books of the System Media Fund, and will make it available to you on an annual basis, upon written request. This annual statement is not required to be audited, but we may choose to provide an audited statement.
Source: Item 11 — Franchisor's Assistance, Advertising, Computer Systems, and Training (FDD pages 36–43)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Aerus Franchise Disclosure Document, Aerus will prepare an annual statement of the System Media Fund's operations as reflected in the fund's books. This statement will be made available to franchisees on an annual basis, but only upon written request. The annual statement is not required to be audited, but Aerus may choose to provide an audited statement.
This means that as an Aerus franchisee, you have the right to request and receive a report detailing how the System Media Fund is being managed and spent. It is important to note that you must make a formal written request to receive this information; Aerus is not obligated to provide it proactively.
While the statement provides transparency into the fund's operations, it's essential to understand that the statement is not necessarily audited unless Aerus chooses to do so. Therefore, franchisees should consider the implications of relying on an unaudited statement and may want to inquire whether an audited version is available or planned. This allows franchisees to stay informed about the financial aspects of the System Media Fund and how it is being utilized for the benefit of the Aerus franchise system.