How does Annex Brands define 'Immediate Family Member' for the purposes of family transfers?

According to Annex Brands' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the term 'Immediate Family Member' is specifically defined within the context of the franchise agreement. This definition is important because it affects the conditions under which a franchisee can transfer ownership of their franchise to a family member, potentially impacting the fees and approval processes involved.

For Annex Brands, an 'Immediate Family Member' includes an individual's spouse or domestic partner. The definition extends to relationships established through blood, adoption, marriage to a biological parent, de facto family arrangement, or operation of law. This encompasses a wide range of familial connections, including parents, grandparents, siblings, children, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and guardians of both the individual and their spouse or domestic partner.

This comprehensive definition allows for flexibility in family succession planning, enabling franchisees to transfer their business to a broad array of relatives under potentially more favorable terms than a standard transfer. However, it is important for prospective franchisees to fully understand this definition and how it applies to their specific family situation to ensure a smooth transfer process and to take advantage of any applicable family transfer fee arrangements.