Has Bath Tune Up pleaded nolo contendere to a felony charge?
Bath_Tune_Up Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Except as provided above, with regard to the franchisor, its predecessor, a person identified in Item 2, or an affiliate offering franchises under the franchisor's principal trademark:
- C. No such party has been convicted of a felony or pleaded nolo contendere to a felony charge or, within the 10-year period immediately preceding the application for registration, has been convicted of or pleaded nolo contendere to a misdemeanor charge or has been the subject of a civil action alleging: violation of a franchise, antifraud, or securities law; fraud; embezzlement; fraudulent conversion or misappropriation of property; or unfair or deceptive practices or comparable allegations.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 52–222)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bath Tune Up's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Item 23 includes an addition to Item 3 that addresses this question. Specifically, it states that neither Bath Tune Up, its predecessors, individuals identified in Item 2, nor any affiliate offering franchises under Bath Tune Up's trademark, has pleaded nolo contendere to a felony charge. This disclosure relates to actions within the 10 years preceding the application for registration.
This statement provides assurance to potential franchisees that the key figures and the company itself have not been involved in any significant legal issues that could impact the franchise system. A nolo contendere plea, while not an admission of guilt, is treated as a conviction for sentencing purposes, so the absence of such pleas is a positive sign.
It is important for prospective franchisees to understand the scope of this statement. It covers specific individuals and the company itself but does not extend to every employee or associate. Further due diligence, including independent background checks and consultations with legal counsel, is advisable to comprehensively assess potential risks.