factual

What is the exclusivity granted to a Bft franchisee within their Designated Territory contingent upon?

Bft Franchise · 2025 FDD

Answer from 2025 FDD Document

  • 1.3 Exclusivity for Designated Territory. As long as Franchisee is in compliance with this Agreement and except as described in Section 1.4 below, Franchisor will not operate, or grant a license to a third-party to operate, during the Term, a BFT Studio located within the Designated Territory.
  • 1.4 Rights Reserved to Franchisor. For the avoidance of doubt, Franchisor reserves for itself and its affiliates all rights not expressly granted to Franchisee 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 Studio and without any compensation to Franchisee, and on such terms and conditions as Franchisor deems appropriate. Without limitation, Franchisor and its affiliates may, themselves or through authorized third-parties (and Franchisee is not granted the right to): (a) open and operate, and license third-parties the right to open or operate, other BFT Studios utilizing the Marks and System outside the Designated Territory; (b) market, offer and sell products and services similar to those offered by BFT Studios (such as private label products that Franchisor may develop and the Pre-Opening Instructor Training (as defined in Section 5.5)) under a different trademark or trademarks at any location, both within or outside the Designated Territory; (c) use the Marks and System, as well as any other marks Franchisor may designate, to distribute Approved Products and/or Approved 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 Designated Territory; (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 BFT Studio located within or outside the Designated Territory, 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 Designated Territory; (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, BFT Studios at "Non-Traditional Sites" both within and outside the Designated Territory. A "Non-Traditional Site" is any location that is situated within or as part of a larger venue or facility and, as a result, is likely to draw the predominance of its customers from those persons who are using or attending events in the larger venue or facility (for example, "big box" gyms and/or fitness facilities, cruise ships, military bases, shopping malls, airports, sports facilities and stadiums, industrial or office complexes, hotels, train stations and other transportation facilities, travel plazas, casinos, hospitals, theme parks, convention centers, colleges/universities, multi-unit residential properties, and other similar captive market locations).

Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 79–265)

What This Means (2025 FDD)

According to Bft's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee's exclusivity within their designated territory is contingent upon their compliance with the Franchise Agreement. As long as the franchisee adheres to the terms of the agreement, Bft will not operate or grant a license to a third party to operate another Bft studio within the franchisee's designated territory during the term of the agreement.

However, Bft retains specific rights, including the right to operate or license others to operate Bft studios outside the designated territory. Bft also reserves the right to market and sell similar products and services under different trademarks, distribute approved products and services through alternate channels like the internet, and engage in other business activities, even those similar to Bft studios, within or outside the designated territory.

Furthermore, Bft can open or license Bft studios at "Non-Traditional Sites" such as gyms, cruise ships, military bases, shopping malls, airports, and other similar locations, both within and outside the franchisee's designated territory. These reserved rights and exceptions could impact a franchisee's market share and revenue potential, even with the granted exclusivity.

Disclaimer: This information is extracted from the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document and is provided for research purposes only. It does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with a franchise attorney before making any investment decisions.