What constitutes 'good cause' for termination of a Benjamin Franklin Plumbing franchise in Indiana?
Benjamin_Franklin_Plumbing Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
in connection with the commencement of the franchise relationship shall have the effect of (i) waiving any claims under any applicable state franchise law, including fraud in the inducement, or (ii) disclaiming reliance on any statement made by any franchisor, franchise seller, or other person acting on behalf of the franchisor. This provision supersedes any other term of any document executed in connection with the franchise.
- This Addendum will have effect only if the Franchise Agreement and/or the relationship between Franchisor and you satisfy all of the jurisdictional requirements of the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act of 1987, without considering this Addendum. Except as expressly modified by this Addendum, the Franchise Agreement remains unmodified and in full force and effect.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN FRA
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 87–88)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
The 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document for Benjamin Franklin Plumbing includes an Indiana addendum that addresses franchise agreements within the state, in compliance with Indiana statutes and regulations. However, the excerpt focuses on specific provisions that are unlawful in Indiana franchise agreements, such as requiring exclusive purchasing from designated sources when comparable quality goods are available elsewhere. It does not define 'good cause' for termination within the Indiana addendum itself.
While the Indiana addendum doesn't define 'good cause,' it does state that the franchisee may terminate the Franchise Agreement under any grounds permitted under state law. This implies that Indiana state law would govern what constitutes 'good cause' for termination in the context of a Benjamin Franklin Plumbing franchise operating in Indiana.
To fully understand what constitutes 'good cause' for termination of a Benjamin Franklin Plumbing franchise in Indiana, a prospective franchisee should consult Indiana state law regarding franchise agreements. Additionally, they should seek clarification from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing regarding the specific conditions under which the franchise agreement can be terminated for 'good cause' in Indiana, as interpreted and applied by the franchisor.