Does Annex Brands consider the individual character of the franchisee when granting franchise rights?
Annex_Brands Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| I/we, Brands, Inc. ("Franchisor"), in its sole discretion and as it deems necessary, to investigate Franchisee's background. Franchisee understands that Franchisor may use an outside firm(s) to assist it in checking such information, and Franchisee specifically authorizes such an investigation by information services and outside entities of the Franchisor's choice. Franchisee understands that Franchisee may withhold permission and that in such a case, no investigation will be done, however, the execution of the Franchise Agreement by Franchisor may not be processed. | ("Franchisee"), hereby authorize Annex |
|---|---|
| Franchisee hereby authorizes a representative of the Franchisor bearing this release to obtain any | |
| information from credit reporting agencies, employers, individuals, schools, residences or criminal | |
| justice agencies relating to Franchisee's activities, in Franchisor's sole discretion and as Franchisor | |
| deems necessary. This information may include, but is not limited to, academic, achievement, | |
| arrest, attendance, conviction, credit, disciplinary, performance, personal history and residential | |
| records. Franchisee hereby directs you to release such information on request of the bearer. | |
| Franchisee hereby releases and holds harmless any individual, including but not limited to record | |
| custodians, from any and all liability, whether from negligence or violation or any other applicable | |
| legal standard that may potentially result from the release and/or use of such information. | |
| FRANCHISEE: | |
| By: | |
| Name/Title: | |
| Date: | |
| By: | |
| Name/Title: |
Source: Item 22 — Contracts (FDD pages 109–110)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Annex Brands' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Annex Brands conducts background checks on prospective franchisees. Annex Brands has the discretion to investigate a franchisee's background as it deems necessary. This investigation can be conducted by Annex Brands itself or through an outside firm.
As part of the application process, the franchisee authorizes Annex Brands to obtain information from various sources, including credit reporting agencies, employers, schools, residences, and criminal justice agencies. The information that Annex Brands may seek includes academic records, achievement records, arrest records, attendance records, conviction records, credit history, disciplinary records, performance records, personal history, and residential records.
By signing the authorization, the franchisee releases and holds harmless any individual or record custodian from any liability resulting from the release or use of the information obtained. If a franchisee withholds permission for Annex Brands to conduct a background investigation, Annex Brands may choose not to proceed with the execution of the Franchise Agreement.