How long does Amorino have to respond to a franchisee's notice of a proposed assignment?
Amorino Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- G. Right of First Refusal. Any assignment or transfer of this Agreement, or any interest herein, except for a transfer to a Business Entity by you as an individual in the manner described in Section 15.C, shall be subject to Franchisor's right of first refusal with respect thereto. Franchisor's said right of first refusal shall be exercised in the following manner:
- (a) Franchisee shall deliver to Franchisor a written notice clearly and unambiguously setting forth all of the terms and conditions of the proposed assignment and all available information concerning the proposed assignee, including but not limited to, information concerning the employment history, financial condition, credit history, skill and qualifications of the proposed assignee and, in the case of a partnership or corporate assignee, of its partners and shareholders as applicable.
- (b) Within thirty (30) days after Franchisor's receipt of such notice (or if Franchisor shall request additional information, within thirty (30) days after receipt of such additional information), Franchisor may either consent or withhold its consent to such assignment, or, at its option, accept the assignment to itself or to its nominee upon the terms and conditions specified in the notice. Franchisor may substitute an equivalent sum of cash for any consideration other than cash specified in said notice.
- (c) If Franchisor shall elect not to exercise its said right of first refusal and shall consent to such assignment, Franchisee shall, subject to the provisions of this Agreement, be free to assign this Agreement to such proposed assignee on the terms and conditions specified in said notice. If, however, Franchisor does not elect to exercise its right of first refusal and said terms shall be materially changed, or if more than 90 days shall pass without such assignment occurring, such changed terms or lapse of time shall be deemed a new proposal and Franchisor shall again have such right of first refusal with respect thereto.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 80–81)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Amorino's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee wishes to assign or transfer their franchise agreement, Amorino has a right of first refusal. To initiate this process, the franchisee must provide Amorino with a written notice containing all terms and conditions of the proposed assignment, along with comprehensive information about the potential assignee, including their employment history, financial condition, credit history, skills, and qualifications. If the assignee is a partnership or corporation, this information must be provided for its partners and shareholders as well.
Within thirty (30) days of receiving this notice, Amorino has several options. They may consent to the assignment, withhold their consent, or exercise their right to accept the assignment themselves or assign it to a nominee. If Amorino requests additional information, the 30-day period begins after they receive the additional information. Amorino also has the option to substitute an equivalent sum of cash for any non-cash consideration specified in the assignment notice.
If Amorino chooses not to exercise its right of first refusal and consents to the assignment, the franchisee is then free to assign the agreement to the proposed assignee under the terms specified in the original notice, subject to other provisions in the franchise agreement. However, if the terms of the assignment materially change or if the assignment does not occur within 90 days, it is considered a new proposal, and Amorino's right of first refusal is reinstated.