Can the Belocal franchise agreement be executed in multiple counterparts?
Belocal Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- F.
Counterpart Execution; Digital Signatures.
This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be an original, and all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument.
Facsimile signatures, including digital signatures, shall have the same effect as handwritten signatures for the purposes of validity, enforceability, and admissibility.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 71)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Belocal's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchise agreement can be executed in multiple counterparts. This means that the agreement does not need to be signed on a single, physical document. Instead, each party can sign a separate copy (counterpart) of the agreement, and all the signed copies together will constitute one complete and binding agreement.
This flexibility is further enhanced by the allowance of digital signatures, including facsimile signatures, which Belocal considers as effective as handwritten signatures. This provides convenience for franchisees and the franchisor, especially if they are geographically separated, as it removes the need for physical document exchange.
The ability to use counterpart execution and digital signatures is a fairly standard practice in modern franchising, as it streamlines the signing process and reduces administrative burdens. Prospective Belocal franchisees can sign the agreement remotely and submit it electronically, which can expedite the onboarding process.