For Bumper Man, what is the purpose of the General Release form found in Exhibit F?
Bumper_Man Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
12. GENERAL RELEASE. In consideration of the foregoing and other good and valuable consideration, Franchisee, its Principals, Certified Technician (and, if Certified Technician is an Entity, each Person and Entity holding an Equity Interest in Certified Technician, as set forth in Exhibit A to this Addendum), each for themselves and on behalf of their current and former officers, directors, shareholders, members, partners, affiliates, agents, attorneys, representatives, predecessors, successors and assigns (collectively, the "Franchisee Releasing Parties"), absolutely and unconditionally waive, release and forever discharge Franchisor and its current
and former officers, directors, shareholders, members, partners, affiliates, agents, attorneys, representative, predecessors, successors and assigns (the "Franchisor Released Parties") from all claims, demands, obligations, liabilities, actions, and causes of actions whatsoever, in law or equity, that any Franchisee Releasing Party has ever had or may in the future have arising from the Franchise Agreement, this Addendum any other agreement between a Franchisee Releasing Party and a Franchisor Released Party, and the relationship and course of dealing among any Franchisor Released Party and any Franchisee Releasing Party, whether known or unknown, that occurred on or before the Effective Date. The Franchisee Releasing Parties acknowledge and agree that this is a general release that expressly covers unknown as well as known claims, and they voluntarily waive, release and assume the risk of all claims that exist as of the date of this Addendum, whether known or unknown to them.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 45–180)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bumper Man's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Exhibit F contains the Certified Technician Addendum to the Franchise Agreement, which includes a General Release. This release requires the franchisee, their principals, and their certified technician (including any entity holding equity interest in the technician) to waive and discharge Bumper Man from all claims and liabilities. This release covers all claims, whether known or unknown, that have occurred on or before the effective date of the addendum.
This means that by signing the General Release, the franchisee and related parties give up their rights to sue Bumper Man for any past issues related to the franchise agreement, the addendum, or their overall relationship. This includes claims they might not even be aware of at the time of signing. The release protects Bumper Man from potential legal actions by the franchisee and their team.
Such a general release is a significant legal document. A prospective Bumper Man franchisee should carefully review it with an attorney to fully understand the implications of waiving all current and future claims. It is crucial to assess any existing or potential disputes with Bumper Man before signing this release, as it could prevent the franchisee from seeking legal recourse for those issues later.