financial_threshold

What outstanding payments must be made to Apricot Lane or its affiliates before a franchise transfer is approved?

Apricot_Lane Franchise · 2025 FDD

Answer from 2025 FDD Document

a controlling interest in the Franchised Business or the FRANCHISEE (a controlling interest being the largest ownership interest even if not a majority interest), or is one of a series of transfers which in the aggregate constitute or will effect such a transfer or a change in the controlling interest, all of the following conditions must be met prior to, or concurrently with, the effective date of the transfer:

    1. FRANCHISOR must have declined its right of first refusal under Section 20.F below;
    1. The transferee must have sufficient business experience, aptitude and financial resources to operate the Franchised Business in the judgment of FRANCHISOR;
    1. FRANCHISEE must pay all amounts owed to FRANCHISOR or to any of its affiliates, which are then owed and unpaid;
    1. The transferee and its proposed managers must complete FRANCHISOR's training program to FRANCHISOR's satisfaction;
    1. The transferee must, at FRANCHISOR's election, either assume this Agreement in writing or execute FRANCHISOR's then-current standard franchise agreement (which may provide for higher fees, expenditures, duration, and different rights and obligations than are provided in this Agreement), provided, however, that the term thereof shall not be greater than the remaining term of this Agreement;
    1. FRANCHISEE or the transferee must pay FRANCHISOR a transfer fee of Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000);
    1. FRANCHISEE and its owners must execute a general release, in form satisfactory to FRANCHISOR, of any and all claims, whether known or unknown, against FRANCHISOR, any affiliates

Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 51–222)

What This Means (2025 FDD)

According to Apricot Lane's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, before a franchise can be transferred, the franchisee must pay all outstanding amounts owed to Apricot Lane or any of its affiliates.

In addition to settling outstanding debts, the franchisee must also cover a $30,000 transfer fee. The proposed transferee must also meet Apricot Lane's standards for franchisees, including demonstrating sufficient business experience, aptitude, and financial resources. The transferee and their managers need to complete Apricot Lane's training program to the company's satisfaction.

Furthermore, Apricot Lane has the option to require the transferee to either assume the existing franchise agreement or sign a new one, which may include different terms and fees. Both the franchisee and their owners are required to sign a general release, absolving Apricot Lane and its affiliates from any claims. The franchisor must also approve the terms of the transfer, ensuring they do not negatively impact the business's operation under the new owner. These conditions ensure that the transfer process maintains the integrity and standards of the Apricot Lane franchise system.

Disclaimer: This information is extracted from the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document and is provided for research purposes only. It does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with a franchise attorney before making any investment decisions.