Does the Basecamp Fitness franchise agreement acknowledge that the franchisee has conducted an independent investigation of the business?

According to Basecamp Fitness's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchise agreement includes an acknowledgement that the franchisee has conducted an independent investigation of the business. Specifically, the agreement states that the franchisee acknowledges they have conducted an independent investigation of the business and recognizes that the venture involves business risks. It also states that the success of the business will largely depend on the franchisee's abilities as an independent business person. This acknowledgement is a standard clause in franchise agreements.

This clause serves to protect Basecamp Fitness from future claims by franchisees that they were not aware of the risks involved or that they relied solely on the franchisor's representations. It reinforces the idea that franchisees are independent business owners responsible for their own due diligence and business decisions. Prospective franchisees should take this acknowledgement seriously and conduct a thorough investigation of the Basecamp Fitness opportunity before signing the agreement.

However, it's important to note that in California, Section 22 (a) of the Basecamp Fitness Franchise Agreement, which likely contains this acknowledgement, is deleted in its entirety and replaced. Additionally, addenda for New York, Minnesota, Virginia, and Washington state that no acknowledgement signed by the franchisee can waive claims under state franchise law or disclaim reliance on statements made by the franchisor. Therefore, while the standard agreement includes this acknowledgement, its enforceability and impact may vary depending on the franchisee's location and applicable state laws. Franchisees should consult with legal counsel to understand the specific implications in their jurisdiction.