Can arbitration proceedings involving Batteries Plus Bulbs be consolidated with other arbitration proceedings?

According to Batteries Plus Bulbs' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, arbitration proceedings may not be consolidated. The agreement specifies that any arbitration proceeding initiated by a Multiple Unit Franchisee cannot be combined with any other arbitration proceeding. Furthermore, the Multiple Unit Franchisee explicitly agrees not to seek to join their claims with those of any other party.

This clause ensures that each dispute between Batteries Plus Bulbs and its franchisees is handled individually. This prevents a single arbitration case from becoming overly complex or influenced by the issues of other franchisees. For a prospective franchisee, this means that if a dispute arises requiring arbitration, it will be handled separately from any other franchisee's disputes.

This requirement for individual arbitration is fairly common in franchising. It allows the franchisor to manage disputes on a case-by-case basis, focusing on the specific facts and circumstances of each situation. While it prevents franchisees from joining forces in arbitration, it also protects them from being drawn into disputes involving other franchisees that they have no direct connection to.