What is the significance of the signature section in the All County Franchise Agreement addendum?
All_County Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Dated: As Individuals: Do not sign this Acknowledgment Addendum if you are a resident of Maryland or the business is to be operated in Maryland.
Acknowledgments and Representations.
As you know, you and we are entering into a Franchise Agreement for the operation of an ALL COUNTY® franchise. The purpose of this Acknowledgment Addendum is to determine whether any statements or promises were made to you that we have not authorized or that may be untrue, inaccurate or misleading, and to be certain that you understand the limitations on claims that may be made by you by reason of the offer and sale of the franchise and operation of your business. Please review each of the following questions carefully and provide honest responses to each question. All representations requiring prospective franchisees to assent to a release, estoppel or waiver of liability are not intended to nor shall they act as a release, estoppel or waiver of liability incurred under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law.
Source: Item 22 — Contracts (FDD page 43)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 All County Franchise Disclosure Document, the signature section in the Acknowledgment Addendum serves to confirm that the prospective franchisee understands the nature of the agreement they are entering. By signing, the franchisee acknowledges that they are aware of the limitations on claims they can make regarding the franchise and its operation. This addendum aims to ensure that no unauthorized or misleading statements or promises have been made to the franchisee during the offer and sale of the franchise.
Specifically, the Acknowledgment Addendum includes a series of questions designed to determine if any unapproved representations were made to the prospective franchisee. The franchisee's honest responses to these questions are crucial. However, it is important to note that if the franchisee is a resident of Maryland or the business is to be operated in Maryland, they should not sign this particular Acknowledgment Addendum. This is likely due to specific provisions within Maryland's franchise laws that provide additional protections to franchisees.
In essence, the signature section of the Acknowledgment Addendum is a formal declaration by the franchisee that they have reviewed and understood the terms and limitations of the All County franchise agreement. It is a mechanism for All County to verify that the franchisee is making an informed decision and to mitigate potential future disputes arising from misunderstandings or unauthorized representations. Franchisees should carefully consider all aspects of the agreement before signing.