What is the process for appointing an expert in a Bevaris Alliance dispute?
Bevaris_Alliance Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
| Document download | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Section in Franchise | |||
| Pr | ovision | Agreement | Summary which must be approved by us. |
| 1. | Bevaris approval of transfer | Section | We have the right to approve all transfers, which shall be |
| by franchisee | 16.11 | subject to the provisions of the Franchise Agreement. | |
| m. | Conditions for Bevaris | Section | Transferee approved by us, transfer fee paid, transferee |
| approval of transfer | 16.11 | not competitor, your account is current, you sign a release, transferee signs all documents, lender consents, and subordination agreements. | |
| n. | Bevaris' right of first refusal to acquire franchisee's business | Section 16.3 | Bevaris can match any offer for the purchase of Your franchise at Bevaris' option. |
| 0. | Bevaris' option to purchase Your business | Section 16.7 | Upon transfer, fair market value (but no value for goodwill), legal compliance, no assumption of your liabilities. |
| p. | Death or disability of franchisee | Section 17 | Franchise may be assigned by estate to approve transferee in three months. |
| q. | Non-competition covenants during the term of the franchise | Section 20.1 | You are prohibited from operating or having an interest in a similar business. |
| r. | Non-competition covenants after the franchise is terminated or expires | Section 20.1 | You are prohibited for 24 months from expiration or termination of the franchise from having a connection with a competing business. |
| s. | Modification of the | Not | No modifications generally, but the Bevaris Alliance |
| agreement | Applicable. | Manual is subject to change. Renewal or extension may subject franchisee to additional restrictions. | |
| t. | Integration/merger clause | Section 27.4 | Only the terms of the Franchise Agreement are binding. Any other oral or written promises are not enforceable; including anything set forth in this Disclosure Document. |
| u. | Dispute resolution by arbitration or mediation | Section 24 | If the parties have a dispute, the parties shall agree on the appointment of an expert, who shall issue a written decision and give notice of the decision to the parties within 90 days of the matter being referred to the expert. The expert's decision shall be final and binding on the parties. |
Source: Item 17 — RENEWAL, TERMINATION, TRANSFER AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION (FDD pages 17–18)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Bevaris Alliance's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a dispute arises between the parties, both parties must agree on the appointment of an expert. This expert will then provide a written decision and notify both parties within 90 days of the matter being referred to them. The expert's decision is considered final and binding for both parties involved. This process is detailed in Section 24 of the Franchise Agreement.
This dispute resolution process means that prospective Bevaris Alliance franchisees should understand the implications of agreeing to an expert's decision, as it will be final and binding. Franchisees should carefully consider the selection of an expert, ensuring they are impartial and qualified to handle the specific nature of the dispute. The 90-day timeframe for the expert's decision provides a relatively quick resolution compared to lengthy court proceedings.
While the FDD specifies that both parties must agree on the expert, it does not detail what happens if the parties cannot agree on an expert. It also does not specify the qualifications or required background of the expert. It is important for prospective franchisees to seek clarification from Bevaris Alliance regarding the procedure if an agreement on the expert cannot be reached and what criteria are used to determine an expert's qualifications.