What authority must the Key Individual have to represent and bind the Circle K franchisee?
Circle_K Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
-
- "Key Individual" means (a) Franchisee, if Franchisee is an individual, or (b) an individual designated by Franchisee with the authority and responsibility for the operation and management of the Store and identified by name on the signature page of this Agreement, if Franchisee is a legal entity.
The Key Individual must be a person authorized to represent and bind Franchisee in all matters arising under this Agreement (including all related agreements) and all matters relating to the Store.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 100)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Circle K's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if the franchisee is a legal entity, they must designate a Key Individual. This Key Individual is defined as someone with the authority and responsibility for the operation and management of the Circle K store. This individual's name must be identified on the signature page of the Franchise Agreement.
The Key Individual must be authorized to represent and bind the franchisee in all matters arising under the Franchise Agreement, including any related agreements. This also extends to all matters relating to the Circle K store itself. This requirement ensures that Circle K has a direct point of contact who can make decisions and is accountable for the store's operations.
For a prospective Circle K franchisee, this means carefully selecting a Key Individual who is not only capable of managing the store but also has the legal authority to represent the business. This is particularly important for corporate or entity franchisees, as the Key Individual acts as the liaison between the franchisee and Circle K. The Key Individual must also complete all required training.