What are the parties required to do under the Augusta Lawn Care franchise agreement to further the Release?
Augusta_Lawn_Care Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
itten notice of Your election to renew not less than six (6) months nor more than twelve (12) months prior to the end of the then-current term;
- (c) You and any Related Parties that have signed this Agreement shall have signed a copy of the then-current Franchise Agreement (except with respect to the renewal provisions thereof, which shall not supersede this Section 4.5.2) not less than thirty (30) days before the expiration of the then-current term, or thirty (30) days after You receive a signature-ready copy of the then-current Franchise Agreement from Augusta Lawn Care, whichever is later; and
- (d) You and Your Related Parties that are parties to this Agreement shall have executed a general release, in a form satisfactory to Augusta Lawn Care, of any and all claims against Augusta Lawn Care and its Related Parties affiliates successors and assigns and their respective directors, officers, shareholders, partners, agents, representatives, servants, and employees in their corporate and individual capacities, including, without limitation, claims arising under this Agreement, any other agreement between You and Augusta Lawn Care or its affiliates, and federal, state, and local laws and rules.
The provisions of the standard franchise agreement in use by Augusta Lawn Care at the time of renewal may be materially different than those contained in this Agreement, including, but not limited to, provisions for increased royalties, advertising, and other fees. You hereby acknowledge and agree that Your right to renew this Agreement shall be contingent upon Your execution of the then-current form of franchise agreement and acceptance of the new provisions.
5. SERVICES TO FRANCHISEE
Augusta Lawn Care agrees to perform the following services for You provided that You are, at the time when service is to be rendered, in Good Standing under this Agreement, any other agreement with Augusta Lawn Care, and You are in compliance with the Manual.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 44–184)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Augusta Lawn Care FDD, both the franchisee and related parties are required to execute a general release under certain conditions. Specifically, when renewing the franchise agreement for an additional ten-year term, the franchisee and any related parties who signed the agreement must execute a general release in a form satisfactory to Augusta Lawn Care. This release covers any and all claims against Augusta Lawn Care and its related parties, affiliates, successors, and assigns, including their respective directors, officers, shareholders, partners, agents, representatives, servants, and employees in their corporate and individual capacities. The claims include, but are not limited to, those arising under the Franchise Agreement, any other agreement between the franchisee and Augusta Lawn Care or its affiliates, and federal, state, and local laws and rules.
Similarly, if the franchisee wishes to relocate their Augusta Lawn Care business, they and their related parties must agree to cancel the existing Franchise Agreement and execute a new one. As part of this process, they must also execute a general release in a form satisfactory to Augusta Lawn Care, covering the same scope of claims as in the renewal scenario.
Additionally, in the event of a transfer of the franchise agreement, any direct or indirect interest in the franchisee, or substantially all of the assets of the Augusta Lawn Care Business, the transferring franchisee must execute a general release in a form prescribed by Augusta Lawn Care. This release again covers any and all claims against Augusta Lawn Care and its affiliates, successors, and assigns. These releases are a standard legal mechanism to protect Augusta Lawn Care from potential future liabilities or disputes related to the franchise relationship.