What is the condition for a C12 Group franchisee to request binding Christian arbitration?
C12_Group Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Step Three: If Franchisee is still unwilling to abide by the decision of the panel of the three C12 non-executive Board Members, then Franchisee shall have the right to request binding Christian arbitration.
The parties agree for the arbitration process to be conducted in accordance with the Christian Conciliation Rules of Procedure contained in the ICC booklet Guidelines for Christian Conciliation.
In accordance with the Rules of Procedure for Christian Conciliation of the Institute for Christian Conciliation (complete text of the Rules is available at www.iccpeace.com/rules or by contacting ICC PEACE at info@iccpeace.com or calling 844-707-3223).
Consistent with these rules, each party to the agreement shall agree to the selection of the arbitrator.
The parties agree that if there is an impasse in the selection of the arbitrator, the Institute for Christian Conciliation (hereafter ICC), shall be asked to provide the name of a qualified person who will serve in that capacity.
Consistent with the Rules of Procedure, the arbitrator shall issue a written opinion within a reasonable time.
The parties acknowledge that the resolving of conflicts requires time and financial resources.
In an effort to fully encourage and implement a biblically faithful process, Franchisor agrees to pay all fees and expenses, which may be required by the mediator, case administrator, and/or arbitrator.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 46)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 C12 Group Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee has the right to request binding Christian arbitration if they are still unwilling to abide by the decision of the panel of the three C12 non-executive Board Members after a dispute remains unresolved through the Regional Representative and the Chair Advisory Council. This arbitration process is to be conducted following the Christian Conciliation Rules of Procedure found in the ICC booklet Guidelines for Christian Conciliation.
The FDD specifies that the parties involved must agree on the selection of the arbitrator. If an agreement cannot be reached, the Institute for Christian Conciliation (ICC) will be asked to provide the name of a qualified person to serve as the arbitrator. The arbitrator is then expected to issue a written opinion within a reasonable timeframe, adhering to the established Rules of Procedure.
C12 Group also commits to covering all fees and expenses associated with the mediator, case administrator, and/or arbitrator, aiming to fully encourage and implement a biblically faithful conflict resolution process. This commitment from C12 Group to cover arbitration costs is a notable benefit for franchisees, as arbitration and mediation can often be expensive processes.