What is the process for tendering the right of first refusal to Aira Fitness when transferring the franchise?
Aira_Fitness Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
E. Right of First Refusal. If you propose to transfer or assign this Agreement or your interest herein or in the business, in whole or in part, to any third party, including, without limitation, any transfer contemplated by Section 12.D or any transfer described in Section 12.A, you first must offer to sell to us your interest. In the event of a bona fide offer from such third party, you must obtain from the third-party offeror and deliver to us a statement in writing, signed by the offeror and by you, of the terms of the offer. In the event the proposed transfer results from a change in control of the franchisee or an Owner under Section 12.A.1 through 12.A.3, or your insolvency or the filing of any petition by or against you under any provisions of any bankruptcy or insolvency law, you first must offer to sell to us your interest in this Agreement and the land, building, equipment, furniture and fixtures, and any leasehold interest used in the operation of your Aira Fitness Business. Unless otherwise agreed to in writing by us and you, the purchase price for our purchase of assetsin the event of a transfer that occurs by a change in control or insolvency or bankruptcy filing will be established by a qualified appraiser selected by the parties and in accordance with the price determination formula established in Section 15.B in connection with an asset purchase upon expiration. In addition, unless otherwise agreed to in writing by us and you, the transaction documents, which we will prepare, will be those customary for this type of transaction and will include representations and warranties then customary for this type of transaction. If the parties cannot agree upon the selection of such an appraiser, a Judge of the United States District Court for the District in which the Authorized Location is located will appoint one upon petition of either party.
Source: Item 23 — **RECEIPTS (FDD pages 59–254)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Aira Fitness's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee proposes to transfer their Aira Fitness franchise, they must first offer to sell their interest to Aira Fitness. To do so, the franchisee must obtain a written statement of the offer's terms, signed by both the franchisee and the third-party offeror, and deliver it to Aira Fitness. This requirement applies to any transfer, including those resulting from a change in control, death, disability, incapacity, insolvency, or bankruptcy.
In cases of transfer due to a change in control or insolvency/bankruptcy, the franchisee must offer to sell not only their interest in the Franchise Agreement but also the land, building, equipment, furniture, fixtures, and any leasehold interest used in the Aira Fitness business. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the purchase price for these assets will be determined by a qualified appraiser selected by both parties, using the price determination formula established in Section 15.B of the Franchise Agreement, which pertains to asset purchases upon expiration.
Aira Fitness will prepare the transaction documents, which will include customary representations and warranties. If the parties cannot agree on an appraiser, a Judge of the United States District Court for the district where the Aira Fitness location is situated will appoint one upon petition by either party. This process ensures that Aira Fitness has the first opportunity to acquire the franchise under the same terms offered by a third party, maintaining control over its franchise system and brand.