Are there any exceptions to the transfer restrictions for an All County franchise?
All_County Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 20.3.7. transferring any of the accounts or clients of the Business to anyone except to another ALL COUNTY® business that has been approved in writing by us or to us or our designees.
If the proposed transfer is among your owners or first or second degree relatives, the transfer fee will be waived, although you are required to reimburse us for any reasonable legal and administrative costs we incur in connection with the transfer.
- 20.5. Transfer to a Wholly Owned Corporation. If you are in full compliance with this Agreement, you may transfer this Agreement to a wholly-owned corporation, limited liability company, or other entity which conducts only the ALL COUNTY® Business.
You agree to maintain management control and own and control one hundred percent (100%) of the equity and voting power of all issued and outstanding capital stock.
All assets and operations of the Business are to be owned and controlled by a single corporation.
Transfers of shares in such corporation will be subject to the provisions of this Agreement.
You agree to remain personally liable under this Agreement as if the transfer to such corporation had not occurred.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 43–157)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to All County's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, there are a few specific exceptions and conditions related to franchise transfer restrictions. Generally, All County requires prior written approval for any transfer of interest or ownership in the business. A transfer without this approval is considered a breach of the agreement and is void.
However, one notable exception is that All County franchisees can transfer accounts or clients of their business to another All County business that has been approved in writing by All County, or directly back to All County or its designees. Additionally, if the proposed transfer is among the franchisee's owners or first or second-degree relatives, the standard transfer fee of $10,000 is waived, although the franchisee is still responsible for reimbursing All County for any reasonable legal and administrative costs incurred during the transfer process.
Another exception exists for transfers to a wholly-owned corporation, limited liability company, or other entity that conducts only the All County business, provided the franchisee maintains 100% ownership and management control. Even in this case, the franchisee remains personally liable under the agreement, and subsequent transfers of shares in the corporation are still subject to the standard transfer provisions. These exceptions provide some flexibility for All County franchisees while still allowing All County to maintain control over who operates an All County franchise.