Is Bft allowed to merge with a company operating a similar business outside the Development Area?

For the avoidance of doubt, Franchisor reserves for itself and its affiliates all rights not expressly granted to Developer in this Agreement and the right to do all things that Franchisor does not expressly agree in this Agreement not to do, in each case, without regard to proximity to the Development Area and without any compensation to Developer, and on such terms and conditions as Franchisor deems appropriate. Without limitation, Franchisor and its affiliates may, themselves or through authorized third parties (and Developer is not granted the right to): (a) open and operate, and license third parties the right to open or operate, Studios utilizing the Marks and System outside the Development Area; (b) market, offer and sell products and services similar to those offered by Studios (such as private label products that Franchisor may develop and training programs) under a different trademark or trademarks at any location, both within or outside the Development Area; (c) use the Marks and other aspects of the System, as well as any other marks Franchisor may designate, to distribute products and services through alternate channels of distribution, including without limitation, via the Internet and other e-commerce channels, catalog sales, direct mail or wholesale, anywhere either within or outside the Development Area; (d) acquire, or be acquired by, or merge with, any company, including a company operating or licensing one or more businesses offering products or services similar to those offered by any Studio located within or outside the Development Area, and subsequently operate (or license a third-party the right to operate) these businesses and allow them to incorporate certain elements of the System (excluding the Marks and Trade Dress) regardless of location; (e) develop or become associated with and engage in other businesses, including other fitness concepts and systems, and/or award franchises under such other concepts for locations anywhere, including inside and outside of the Development Area; (f) use the Marks and System, and license others to use the Marks and System, to engage in any other activities not expressly prohibited by this

Agreement; and (g) open and operate, or license third parties the right to open or operate, Studios at Non-Traditional Locations both within and outside the Development Area.

Source: Item 17 — RENEWAL, TERMINATION, TRANSFER AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION (FDD pages 57–66)