What court appoints the arbitrator if the parties cannot agree for City Publications?

Based on the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the FDD excerpts provided do not specify which court would appoint an arbitrator if City Publications and the franchisee cannot agree on one. The excerpts do mention that Section 24G of the Franchise Agreement requires binding arbitration, and the arbitration will occur at the forum indicated in Section 24B, with costs borne by the prevailing party.

However, details about the specific process for selecting an arbitrator, particularly who makes the appointment if the parties are unable to agree, are not included in these excerpts. This is a crucial aspect of the arbitration process, as it ensures impartiality and fairness in dispute resolution.

A prospective City Publications franchisee should seek clarification from the franchisor regarding the procedure for selecting an arbitrator if both parties cannot come to an agreement. Understanding this process is essential for protecting their interests in case of future disputes. It would also be prudent to consult with legal counsel to fully understand the implications of the arbitration clause and the relevant provisions of the Franchise Agreement.