Are the mediation proceedings with All County confidential?

According to All County's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the mediation proceedings are indeed confidential. The document states that the mediation process, including any negotiations and results, will be treated as a compromise settlement negotiation, ensuring the entire process remains confidential.

This confidentiality clause is beneficial for prospective All County franchisees because it allows for open and honest discussions during mediation without the fear that the information shared could be used against them in future legal proceedings, such as arbitration or litigation. This encourages both parties to work towards a resolution in good faith.

It is important to note that while the mediation process is confidential, if the dispute is not resolved within thirty days, either party is free to pursue arbitration. The confidentiality of the mediation process does not extend to the arbitration or any subsequent legal actions, so franchisees should be aware that information discussed during mediation could potentially become relevant in later stages of dispute resolution.