What agreements are referenced in the context of dispute resolution for Circle K?

According to Circle K's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, dispute resolution is addressed in several agreements. Specifically, the Convenience Store Franchise Agreement, Motor Fuel Agreement, and Branding Agreement all contain provisions related to how disputes are handled.

For instance, the table outlines that Article 18 of the Convenience Store Franchise Agreement, Section 40 of the Motor Fuel Agreement, and Section 12 of the Branding Agreement all stipulate that disputes must be mediated and arbitrated in the county where Circle K's corporate headquarters are located at the time of the dispute. This means a franchisee would likely need to travel to Circle K's headquarters for dispute resolution proceedings, regardless of the franchisee's location.

Additionally, the document specifies that Section 42 of the Motor Fuel Agreement and Section 12(d) of the Branding Agreement dictate the forum for disputes, which is a state or federal court in the county where Circle K's corporate headquarters are located, subject to state law. Furthermore, Section 20.5 and Section 43 of the Motor Fuel Agreement, along with Section 12(e) of the Branding Agreement, indicate that Arizona law applies to these agreements, again subject to state law. This could mean that franchisees will have to familiarize themselves with Arizona law in the event of a dispute, regardless of where their franchise is located.

These provisions are important for prospective franchisees to consider, as they define the legal framework and location for resolving any potential disagreements with Circle K. Franchisees should consult with legal counsel to fully understand the implications of these clauses before entering into any agreements.