Is the Christian Brothers Automotive transaction fee refundable?
Christian_Brothers_Automotive Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Type of Fee (Note 1) | Amount | Due Date | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| closing of the sale. | |||
| Transaction Fee (Note 8) | The greater of 7% of the gross value of the business transaction or $50,000, payable as follows: (i) a non refundable deposit equal to the greater of $10,000 or 1% of the listed price of the Franchised Business paid when you sign our Transaction Fee Agreement, and (ii) the balance of the transaction fee is payable upon the closing of the transaction between you and the buyer. | Due upon closing of your selling transaction, except for the initial payment of the greater of $10,000 or 1% of the listed price of the Franchised Business. | If you authorize CBAC to find you a buyer or CBAC provides you a buyer from its interested candidates. This transaction fee is in addition to the above described transfer fees. The transaction fee is non refundable. The transaction fee deposit is to cover costs associated with financial due diligence, marketing and lead generation, among other items. |
| Lease Payments (Note 9) | Approximately $22,000 to $38,000 base rent per month, plus triple net costs. This will vary as described in Note 9. | Base rent due on the 1st day of each month. Triple net costs are due as costs arise. | You will lease or sublease the premises (land and building) from CBAC or one of its affiliates. See Note 9 for the lease term. |
| IT Support Fee (Note 4) | As determined from time to time by CBAC and set forth in our Confidential Operations Manual. Currently, $200 per month for IT support services. | 1st day of each month. | This may include web hosting and software/hardware technical support. CBAC reserves the right to increase this fee, in its sole discretion. |
| Type of Fee (Note 1) |
Source: Item 6 — OTHER FEES (FDD pages 17–25)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Christian Brothers Automotive's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the transaction fee is generally non-refundable. Specifically, if a franchisee authorizes Christian Brothers Automotive to find a buyer or if Christian Brothers Automotive provides a buyer from its interested candidates, a transaction fee is required. This fee is the greater of 7% of the gross value of the business transaction or $50,000.
The transaction fee is payable in two parts. First, a non-refundable deposit is due upon signing the Transaction Fee Agreement. This deposit is the greater of $10,000 or 1% of the listed price of the franchised business. The balance of the transaction fee is then due upon the closing of the sale between the franchisee and the buyer.
The FDD clarifies that the initial deposit is to cover costs associated with financial due diligence, marketing, and lead generation. Because Christian Brothers Automotive incurs these expenses upfront, the deposit is non-refundable, regardless of whether the sale is completed. This is a common practice in franchising to compensate the franchisor for their time and resources in facilitating the sale.