When did BMI and Bumper Man Franchising, Inc. merge?
Bumper_Man Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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Bumper Man Franchising, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of BMI, was formed on April 3, 2000, to grant franchises for the right to develop and operate Bumper Businesses, and the existing Bumper Business operators converted their business opportunities to franchises. Thereafter, BMI and Bumper Man Franchising, Inc. merged on April 1, 2008, and BMI was the surviving company. Since such date, BMI has served as franchisor, granting franchises for the right to develop and operate Bumper Businesses.
The Franchise Business Offered.
The franchise we offer is for the operation of a mobile automobile bumper repair business ("Bumper Business") using our trade names, trademarks, service marks and related logos, including the trademarks "Bumper Man" and "Bumper Man You Bend'em – I'll Mend'em" (collectively, the "Marks") and a distinctive method of repairing plastic and metal bumpers and automobile exterior surfaces utilizing our proprietary tools and trade secrets developed by us to achieve results that minimize the appearance of dents and other damage to bumpers, fenders and other exterior surfaces of automobiles (the "System").
Source: Item 1 — THE FRANCHISOR AND ANY PARENTS, PREDECESSORS AND AFFILIATES (FDD pages 8–11)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bumper Man's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, BMI and Bumper Man Franchising, Inc. initially merged on April 1, 2008, with BMI as the surviving company. However, the document also states that on March 20, 2008, the shareholders of BMI approved a merger with Bumper Man Franchising Company, Inc., where Bumper Man Franchising Company, Inc. was the surviving company. Following this, Bumper Man Franchising Company, Inc. changed its name to "Bumper Man, Inc." The Certificate of Merger was then filed with the Texas Secretary of State on April 1, 2008. Since then, Bumper Man, Inc. has been offering franchises.
This indicates a two-step merger process. First, BMI and Bumper Man Franchising, Inc. merged with BMI surviving. Then, the shareholders approved a merger where Bumper Man Franchising Company, Inc. survived and changed its name to Bumper Man, Inc. This final merger was officially recorded on April 1, 2008. The discrepancy in the initial merger outcome is important for prospective franchisees to understand the evolution of the Bumper Man franchise structure.
For a potential franchisee, this information clarifies the legal history and structure of the Bumper Man franchise. It's crucial to understand which entity is currently the franchisor (Bumper Man, Inc.) and how it came to be. This knowledge can be useful when reviewing legal documents, understanding contractual obligations, and assessing the stability and history of the franchise system. It would be prudent for a prospective franchisee to seek clarification from Bumper Man regarding the initial merger and the subsequent restructuring to fully grasp the current operational and legal framework.