Can Cicis acquire or merge with other businesses, even if they are located in the Development Area?

According to the 2025 Cicis Franchise Disclosure Document, Cicis has the right to acquire, merge, or engage in transactions with other businesses, regardless of whether those businesses are located within a franchisee's Development Area. This means Cicis can consolidate with or purchase other companies, even if they operate in the same territory granted to a franchisee.

Specifically, Cicis has the right to convert these acquired businesses to the Cicis brand, allow them to operate as part of the Cicis system (whether converted or not), or permit them to continue operating under another name. This broad reservation of rights allows Cicis to expand and evolve its business without being restricted by the exclusive territory granted to franchisees.

For a prospective Cicis franchisee, this clause indicates that while they may have certain territorial protections, Cicis retains significant flexibility in how it grows and manages its brand, even within those protected areas. This could potentially lead to increased competition within a franchisee's territory if Cicis chooses to operate other businesses, whether under the Cicis brand or another name, in the same area. Franchisees should consider this when evaluating the potential for growth and profitability in their Development Area.