Does the Bambu franchise agreement recognize electronic signatures?
Bambu Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
This Agreement and all riders and addenda hereto may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be deemed an original, but such counterparts shall constitute one and the same instrument.
Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page to this Agreement, any riders or addenda hereto, and any other agreements entered into with Bambu by facsimile or in electronic format shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement or such other document.
The words "execution", "signed", "signature", and words of similar meaning in this Agreement shall be deemed to include electronic or digital signatures or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same effect, validity, and enforceability as manually executed signatures or a paper-based recordkeeping system to the extent and as provided for under applicable laws.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 52–209)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
Yes, according to Bambu's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchise agreement and related documents can be executed using electronic signatures. Specifically, the FDD states that the franchise agreement, including all riders and addenda, may be executed in counterparts, and delivering a signature page via facsimile or electronic format is considered effective as delivering a manually executed counterpart.
Furthermore, the FDD clarifies that terms like "execution," "signed," and "signature" include electronic or digital signatures. These electronic signatures and records kept in electronic form have the same effect, validity, and enforceability as manually executed signatures or paper-based recordkeeping, as long as they comply with applicable laws.
This indicates that Bambu embraces modern methods of document execution, which can streamline the franchising process for both the franchisor and the franchisee. Prospective franchisees can sign the agreement and related documents electronically, which can save time and resources compared to traditional paper-based methods. It is important for the franchisee to ensure that the electronic signatures used comply with the relevant laws to guarantee their validity and enforceability.