What is the required method for a Chatime franchisee to request consent for a transfer?
Chatime Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisor must not unreasonably withhold its consent under clause 11.2(2) if the sale, assignment, or other Disposal is of the whole of Developer's interest in the Developer's Operation and each of the following conditions are satisfied:
(1) Developer establishes to Franchisor's reasonable satisfaction that the proposed assignee (and its directors and Owners if the assignee is a business entity):
- (a) Possesses the financial resources necessary to conduct and operate Developer's Operation as a Developer and to service any borrowings it makes in order to acquire Developer's Operation;
- (b) Is a reputable and responsible and has the business experience and capabilities necessary to operate Developer's Operation successfully; and
- (c) Otherwise meets Franchisor's criteria for the selection of new Chatime developers;
(2) Developer pays to Franchisor the Transfer Fee;
(3) Developer, both when seeking consent to the assignment and when the assignment is to occur, is not in default under this Agreement or any Collateral Agreement;
(4) At the option of Franchisor:
(a) The assignee executes Franchisor's then-standard form development business agreement for the balance remaining of the Initial Term (including any existing option for a New Term); or
(b) Developer and the assignee execute an assignment of Developer's rights and obligations under this Agreement to the assignee in a form required by Franchisor,
and Developer and the assignee execute any other documents then used by Franchisor for the grant of Chatime development business;
- (5) When the assignee is a business entity, those directors and Owners or other Affiliates of the assignee nominated by Franchisor each:
- (a) Execute and deliver a personal guarantee and indemnity and undertake similar personal restraints to those given by Guarantor under this Agreement in favor of, and in a form required by, Franchisor; and
- (b) Execute and deliver a confidentiality and non-competition agreement in the Franchisor's then-current form.
(6) Developer:
(a) Gives to Franchisor all details of the proposed assignment including a copy of the applicable contract (which must comply with Franchisor's requirements) and any other agreements between Developer and the assignee.
Developer acknowledges that:
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 58–262)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Chatime Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee seeking to transfer their interest in the franchise must meet specific conditions to obtain the franchisor's consent. While the document does not explicitly detail the exact method for requesting consent, it outlines the conditions that Chatime will consider when a franchisee seeks to transfer their interest.
Specifically, the franchisee must demonstrate to Chatime's satisfaction that the proposed assignee has the necessary financial resources, a reputable business background, and meets Chatime's criteria for new franchisees. The franchisee must also pay a transfer fee and not be in default of any agreements with Chatime at the time of seeking consent and when the transfer occurs.
Furthermore, Chatime has the option to require the assignee to execute the then-current standard franchise agreement or an assignment of the franchisee's rights and obligations. If the assignee is a company, its directors, shareholders, or affiliates may need to provide personal guarantees, confidentiality agreements, and execute the new franchise agreement or assignment in their personal capacities. The assignee's proposed manager must also be approved by Chatime and complete the required training program. For developers, the developer must give Chatime all details of the proposed assignment including a copy of the applicable contract and any other agreements between the developer and the assignee.