Under what circumstances are All County franchisees required to sign a general release?

According to All County's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a general release form is used as a condition of renewal or assignment/transfer of the franchise. A sample copy of the current general release form is provided in Exhibit E to the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Additionally, the Franchise Agreement includes a Release of Claims section where both All County and the franchisee release each other from claims related to the Franchise Agreement. All County's release is contingent upon full payment of a specified amount. The franchisee's release is in consideration of the other terms and conditions of the agreement. Both parties also reserve their rights and claims against non-settling parties.

It's important to note that acknowledgments signed by franchisees in connection with the franchise relationship cannot waive claims under applicable state franchise law, including fraud in the inducement, or disclaim reliance on statements made by the franchisor. This provision supersedes any other term in documents related to the franchise, offering some protection to franchisees. Franchisees in Maryland and California are exempt from certain acknowledgment requirements.