Who must certify the annual financial statement provided to Best Western members?

According to Best Western's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the annual financial statement, including the balance sheet and profit and loss statement for the preceding fiscal year, must be certified by an independent certified public accountant. This statement is to be furnished to each Best Western member within 90 days after the close of the corporation's fiscal year.

This requirement ensures that Best Western members receive a verified and reliable overview of the company's financial performance. The involvement of an independent certified public accountant adds credibility to the financial statement, as these professionals are bound by ethical and professional standards to provide an unbiased assessment. This is a standard practice in franchising to maintain transparency and trust between the franchisor and its franchisees.

For a prospective Best Western franchisee, this means they will receive an audited financial statement annually, allowing them to assess the financial health and stability of the Best Western organization. This information can be valuable in making informed decisions about their investment and understanding the financial performance of the overall Best Western brand. Franchisees can use this certified statement to benchmark their own performance and understand the broader financial context of the Best Western cooperative.