Can the Belocal franchise agreement be executed in multiple counterparts, and what is the effect of doing so?

According to Belocal's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Transfer Agreement can be executed in multiple counterparts. Each of these counterparts, once executed, is considered an original, and all of them together constitute a single instrument. This means that the parties involved do not need to sign the same physical document; instead, they can sign separate copies, and the collection of these copies will form the complete and legally binding agreement.

This provision offers flexibility in the execution process, especially when the parties are geographically separated. It simplifies logistics by allowing each party to sign a copy in their location and then exchange the signed copies. Additionally, the FDD states that facsimile signatures are considered effective for execution purposes. This further streamlines the signing process, allowing for quicker agreement finalization through the use of faxed or scanned signatures.

For a prospective Belocal franchisee, this means that the process of signing the Transfer Agreement can be more convenient and efficient. The ability to use counterpart execution and facsimile signatures reduces the administrative burden and potential delays associated with traditional, single-document signing procedures. This is a fairly standard practice in franchise agreements to accommodate the often geographically dispersed parties involved.