Under what circumstances can the terms and provisions of the Circle K Franchise Agreement be disclosed?
Circle_K Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Each of the parties hereto covenants and agrees to keep confidential any and all terms and provisions of this Agreement, other than as they may be required under law to disclose.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 100–359)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Circle K Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are generally required to keep the terms and provisions of their agreements confidential. However, there is an exception to this rule. Franchisees are permitted to disclose the terms if such disclosure is required by law. This means that if a court order, legal statute, or other legal mandate compels a franchisee to reveal details of the agreement, they are allowed to do so without breaching the confidentiality clause.
This provision protects Circle K's sensitive business information while also ensuring franchisees can comply with legal obligations. For example, a franchisee might need to disclose certain terms during a legal dispute or when seeking professional advice from attorneys or accountants. The agreement acknowledges that these situations may arise and provides a necessary exception to the confidentiality requirement.
It is important for prospective Circle K franchisees to understand the scope of this confidentiality clause and the limited exception for legally required disclosures. Franchisees should consult with their own legal counsel to fully understand their obligations and rights regarding the disclosure of the Franchise Agreement's terms.