Can the Bhc Master Franchisee assign the agreement to someone who does not meet the franchisor's standards?
Bhc Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
this Agreement and all of Franchisor's rights and privileges hereunder ("Assignment by Franchisor") to any other person, firm, or corporation ("Franchisor's Assignee"). Upon the effective date of the Assignment by Franchisor and thereafter, Franchisor will be relieved of all obligations or liabilities under this Agreement.
12.2 Assignment by Master Franchisee.
(a) This Agreement is being executed by Franchisor in reliance upon and in consideration of the unique skills and qualifications of Master Franchisee and the Principal Equity Operators and the trust and confidence reposed in them by Franchisor. Therefore, neither Master Franchisee's interest in this Agreement and the Franchise granted hereunder, nor all or substantially all of the assets of the BHC Restaurant, nor a controlling or non-controlling interest in Master Franchisee (if an entity), may be assigned, transferred, shared or divided, voluntarily or involuntarily, in whole or in part, by operation of law or otherwise, in any manner (collectively, "Assignment by Master Franchisee"), without Franchisor's prior written consent and, except for any transfer of a non-controlling interest, subject to Franchisor's right of first refusal provided for in section 12.3 hereof, and transfer to an Affiliated Entity provided for in section 12.6 hereof. Franchisor's consent to a specific Assignment by Master Franchisee is not cumulative and will not apply to any subsequent assignments, in respect of each of which Master Franchisee must comply with this section 12.2.
(b) Prior to any Assignment by Master Franchisee, Master Franchisee must notify Franchisor of Master Franchisee's intent to sell, transfer or assign the Franchise, all (or substantially all) the assets of the BHC Restaurant, or a controlling or non- controlling interest in Master Franchisee (if an entity). The notice must be in writing, delivered to Franchisor in accordance with section 16.1 hereof and include the following:
(i) the proposed transferee's name and address;
(ii) a copy of all agreements related to the sale, assignment, or transfer of the Franchise, the assets of the BHC Restaurant, or the controlling interest in Master Franchisee (if an entity); and
(iii) the proposed transferee's application for approval to become the successor Master Franchisee (this application must include all forms, financial disclosures and related information generally used by Franchisor when interviewing prospective new Master Franchisees, if Franchisor makes those forms available to Master Franchisee. If the forms are not readily available, Master Franchisee must request that Franchisor deliver the forms to Master Franchisee by business courier in accordance with section 16.1 hereof within 15 calendar days). As soon as practicable after the receipt of the proposed transferee's application, Franchisor will notify, in writing, Master Franchisee and the proposed transferee of any additional information or documentation necessary to complete the transfer application. If Franchisor's then-existing standards for the approval of new or renewing Master Franchisees are not readily available to Master Franchisee when Master Franchisee notifies Franchisor of Master Franchisee's intent to sell, transfer, or assign the Franchise, all or substantially all of the assets of the BHC Restaurant, or a controlling or non-controlling interest in Master Franchisee (if an entity), Franchisor will communicate the standards to Master Franchisee within 15 calendar days.
(iv) a non-refundable "Transfer Review Fee" of $5,000.00, or such greater amount as is necessary to reimburse Franchisor's out of pocket costs associated with the transfer/assignment, including attorneys' fees.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 52–230)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bhc's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Master Franchise Agreement is based on the unique skills, qualifications, and trust that Bhc places in the Master Franchisee and their Principal Equity Operators. Therefore, the Master Franchisee cannot freely assign the agreement to just anyone.
Specifically, the Master Franchisee must first notify Bhc of their intent to assign the franchise, assets, or controlling interest. This notice must include the proposed transferee's name and address, copies of all related agreements, and the transferee's application for approval as a successor Master Franchisee. Bhc also requires a detailed summary of how the proposed assignee meets Bhc's qualifications for a new Master Franchisee, along with any other information Bhc requests.
Bhc has the right to either consent to the assignment or exercise its right of first refusal, allowing Bhc to accept the assignment itself or designate a nominee. If Bhc consents and does not exercise its right of first refusal, the Master Franchisee can proceed with the assignment to the proposed assignee, but only if the terms remain materially unchanged and the assignment occurs within 60 days. Any attempt to assign the franchise in violation of these terms is void and constitutes a material breach of the agreement, potentially leading to immediate termination.
In summary, a Bhc Master Franchisee cannot assign the agreement to someone who does not meet Bhc's standards. Bhc maintains strict control over who can become a Master Franchisee to protect the brand and ensure qualified operators.