To what level of entity shareholder breakdown does Best Western require information when applicable?

According to Best Western's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Best Western requires a breakdown of entity shareholders to at least a third level, when applicable. This means that if the entity applying for a Best Western membership has shareholders, and those shareholders are themselves entities, Best Western wants to see the ownership structure of those entities as well, extending to a third level of ownership.

This requirement ensures that Best Western has a clear understanding of the ownership and control structure behind each of its member properties. By requiring this level of detail, Best Western aims to identify all individuals and entities with a significant stake in the property, which can help in assessing risk and ensuring compliance with brand standards.

For a prospective franchisee, this means being prepared to provide detailed information about the ownership structure of any entities involved in the Best Western membership application. This could involve gathering documents and information about the shareholders, partners, or members of these entities, and their respective ownership percentages. If the ownership structure is complex, it may be necessary to consult with legal and financial professionals to ensure that all required information is accurately and completely disclosed to Best Western.