factual

Under what conditions can Cordova refuse a transfer of ownership of a Cordova franchise?

Cordova Franchise · 2025 FDD

Answer from 2025 FDD Document

14.C. CONDITIONS FOR APPROVAL OF TRANSFER

Provided Franchisee and each Owner and Spouse, respectively, are in substantial compliance with this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements, and Franchisor does not elect to exercise Franchisor's right of first refusal as set forth in Article 14.F. below, Franchisor shall not unreasonably withhold its approval of a Transfer by Franchisee or an Owner. The proposed transferee (including such assignee's owner(s) and spouse(s) if the proposed transferee is a Corporate Entity) must be of good moral character, have sufficient business experience, aptitude and financial resources to own and operate a Cordova Business, and otherwise meet Franchisor's then applicable standards for franchisees as determined by Franchisor in its sole, but reasonable discretion. Furthermore, the proposed transferee and the proposed transferee's owners and spouses may not own or operate, or intend to own or operate, a Competitive Business. Franchisee agrees that Franchisor may condition approval of a Transfer upon Franchisee's satisfaction (either before, or contemporaneously with, the effective date of the Transfer) of the following:

  • (1) Franchisee must provide written notice to Franchisor of the proposed Transfer of this Agreement at least 30 days prior to the Transfer, and Franchisee must have also satisfied the obligations set forth in Article 14.F. below;
  • (2) All accrued monetary obligations of Franchisee and all other outstanding obligations to Franchisor and/or Franchisor's affiliates under this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements must be satisfied in a timely manner, and Franchisee must satisfy all trade, supplier, and vendor accounts and other debts, of whatever nature or kind, in a timely manner;
  • (3) Franchisee, each Owner, and each Spouse must not be in default or material breach of this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements;
  • (4) The transferee shall be bound by all terms and conditions of this Agreement, and each owner of the transferee and their respective spouses shall personally execute the Franchise Owner and Spouse Agreement and Guaranty in the form attached to this Agreement as Exhibit 1;
  • (5) All obligations of Franchisee under this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements shall be assumed by the transferee, each individual owner of transferee, and their respective spouses in a manner satisfactory to Franchisor;
  • (6) Franchisee, each Owner, and each Spouse must execute the General Release attached to this Agreement as Exhibit 5 releasing Franchisor, Franchisor's affiliates and Franchisor's past and present officers, directors, shareholders, members, partners, agents, representatives, independent contractors,

servants and employees, of any and all claims against Franchisor for matters arising on, or before, the effective date of the Transfer;

Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 44–195)

What This Means (2025 FDD)

According to Cordova's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Cordova can refuse a transfer of ownership if the franchisee, owner, or spouse is not in substantial compliance with the Franchise Agreement and Ancillary Agreements. Cordova will also deny a transfer if they elect to exercise their right of first refusal, meaning they choose to purchase the franchise themselves under the same terms offered by a third-party buyer.

Cordova can also refuse a transfer if the proposed transferee does not meet Cordova's standards for franchisees. This includes having good moral character, sufficient business experience, aptitude, and financial resources to operate the Cordova business. Additionally, the transferee and their owners/spouses cannot own or operate a Competitive Business.

Furthermore, Cordova lists several conditions that must be met for a transfer to be approved. These include providing written notice at least 30 days prior to the transfer and satisfying obligations under Article 14.F, satisfying all accrued monetary and outstanding obligations to Cordova and its affiliates, ensuring the transferee is bound by the terms of the agreement, and receiving a general release from the franchisee, owner, and spouse releasing Cordova from claims. If these conditions are not met, Cordova can refuse the transfer.

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.