Can the Christian Brothers Automotive franchise agreement be executed in counterparts?

According to Christian Brothers Automotive's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchise agreement can be executed in several counterparts. This means that the agreement does not require all parties to sign the same physical document. Instead, each party can sign a separate copy, or 'counterpart,' of the agreement. All of these signed counterparts, when taken together, constitute one and the same agreement. This flexibility can be particularly useful when the parties are geographically separated or have difficulty coordinating schedules for a single signing event.

Christian Brothers Automotive also specifies that a facsimile transmission (fax) of any signed original document, as well as the retransmission of any signed fax, is considered the same as delivering the original signed document. This further streamlines the execution process, allowing for quicker and more convenient exchange of signatures. The inclusion of fax transmissions as equivalent to original signed documents reflects an adaptation to modern communication methods, making the agreement process more efficient.

This ability to execute the agreement in counterparts and accept faxed signatures is a fairly standard practice in franchising and general business law. It simplifies the logistical aspects of finalizing the agreement. However, franchisees should ensure that all counterparts are properly collected and stored to maintain a complete record of the fully executed agreement. Franchisees should also confirm with Christian Brothers Automotive that any specific procedures or requirements exist for managing counterparts and faxed signatures to ensure full compliance with the franchise agreement terms.