factual

What constitutes engaging in a competing business for a City Wide franchisee?

City_Wide Franchise · 2025 FDD

Answer from 2025 FDD Document

    1. Franchisee covenants that during the term of this Non-Compete Agreement, except as otherwise approved in writing by CITY WIDE, Franchisee will not, either directly or indirectly, for itself, or through, on behalf of, or in conjunction with any person, persons, partnership, or corporation:
    • a. Divert or attempt to divert any business or customers of the Franchised Business to any competitor, by direct or indirect inducement or otherwise, or do or perform, directly or indirectly, any act injurious or prejudicial to the goodwill associated with CITY WIDE's Marks and the System; or
    • b. Own, maintain, engage in, consult with, or have any material interest in any competitive business (including any business operated by Franchisee prior to entry into the Franchise Agreement) specializing, in whole or in part, in providing the same or similar services or products or activities of any type or nature, targeted at a retail market of a

type the same as or similar to the type of programs offered or provided or markets targeted in or by the System.

Franchisee specifically acknowledges that, pursuant to this Agreement, Franchisee will receive valuable training and confidential information, including, without limitation, CITY WIDE's past, present or prospective client list, pricing formulas, policies, bids, quotes, proposals, profitability, margin strategies, presentation strategies and techniques, business plans, training materials, and additional information regarding the promotional, operational, sales and marketing methods and techniques of CITY WIDE and the System.

Accordingly, Franchisee covenants that, except as otherwise approved in writing by CITY WIDE, Franchisee will not, for a period of two (2) years after the expiration or termination of this Agreement, regardless of the cause of termination, either directly or indirectly, for himself, or through, on behalf of, or in conjunction with any person, persons, partnership, or corporation, own, maintain, engage in, consult with or have any interest in any business specializing, in whole or in part, in providing the same or similar services or products or activities of any type or nature, targeted at a market of a type the same as or similar to the type of programs offered or provided or markets targeted in or by the System:

  • a.

Within a radius of 150 miles of Franchisee's Franchised Business Location.

  • b.

Within the metropolitan statistical area where Franchisee's Franchised Business is located; or

  • c.

Within a radius of 150 miles of the Location of any other business using the System, whether franchised or owned by CITY WIDE.

Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 65)

What This Means (2025 FDD)

According to City Wide's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee is restricted from engaging in any competitive business activities during the term of the Non-Compete Agreement. Specifically, franchisees cannot divert or attempt to divert business or customers of the franchised business to any competitor, either directly or indirectly. They are also prohibited from performing any action that could harm the goodwill associated with City Wide's marks and the System.

Moreover, franchisees are barred from owning, maintaining, engaging in, consulting with, or having any material interest in any competitive business. This includes businesses that specialize in providing the same or similar services, products, or activities as City Wide, targeting a similar retail market. These restrictions apply unless City Wide provides written approval otherwise.

After the franchise agreement expires or terminates, the franchisee is restricted from engaging in a similar business for a period of two years. This includes owning, maintaining, engaging in, consulting with, or having any interest in a business that offers similar services or products targeting a similar market to the City Wide system. These restrictions apply within a 150-mile radius of the franchisee's former business location, within the metropolitan statistical area where the business was located, or within a 150-mile radius of any other business using the City Wide system.

Disclaimer: This information is extracted from the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document and is provided for research purposes only. It does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with a franchise attorney before making any investment decisions.