What constitutes a 'material misrepresentation' that could lead to termination of the Deka Lash franchise agreement?
Deka_Lash Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
- 6.2 Termination. Any material violation or breach of any Franchise Agreement or this Agreement will be deemed a material violation of this Agreement and any and all Franchise Agreements between the parties. The non-breaching party will be entitled to enforce the penalties of or to terminate this Agreement or the relevant Franchise Agreement(s) as provided in the relevant Franchise Agreement(s) for enforcement or termination. In addition, Franchisor will have the right, at its option, to terminate this Agreement and all rights granted to Developer hereunder, without affording Developer any opportunity to cure such default, effective upon written notice to Developer, upon the occurrence of any of the following events:
- a) Cease to Actively Engage. If Developer ceases to actively engage in development activities in the Development Area or otherwise abandons its development business for three (3) consecutive months, or any shorter period that indicates an intent by Developer to discontinue development of the Franchised Businesses within the Development Area;
- b) Insolvency. If Developer becomes insolvent, meaning unable to pay bills in the ordinary course of business as they become due;
- c) Failure to Meet Development Schedule. If Developer fails to meet its development obligations under the Development Schedule for any Development Period, and fails to cure such default within 30 days of receiving notice thereof; and
- d) Termination of Associated Franchise Agreement(s). If any Franchise Agreement that is entered into in order to fulfill Developer's development obligations under this Agreement is terminated or subject to termination by Franchisor, pursuant to the terms of that Franchise Agreement.
Upon termination of this Agreement, Franchisor may establish or license others to establish Deka Lash units and operations within the previously reserved Development Area without limitation or restriction. In addition, Developer's right to open and operate any of the remaining Franchises that have not yet opened for business in the Development Area is revoked and terminated. This means that Developer will have no further right to construct, equip, own, open or operate additional Deka Lash units which are not, at the time of termination or expiration, the subject of a then-existing Franchise Agreement between Franchisor and Developer which is in full force and effect.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 63–234)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
Based on the 2024 Deka Lash Franchise Disclosure Document, a material violation or breach of any Franchise Agreement or the Development Agreement will be considered a material violation of both agreements. If a material violation occurs, the non-breaching party has the right to enforce penalties or terminate the agreement.
Specifically, Deka Lash has the right to terminate the Development Agreement and all rights granted to the developer without providing an opportunity to cure the default if the developer ceases to actively engage in development activities in the Development Area, abandons the development business for three consecutive months (or any shorter period indicating an intent to discontinue development), or becomes insolvent, meaning unable to pay bills in the ordinary course of business as they become due.
Additionally, if the Developer fails to meet its development obligations under the Development Schedule for any Development Period and does not cure the default within 30 days of receiving notice, Deka Lash can terminate the agreement. Deka Lash can also terminate the Development Agreement if any associated Franchise Agreement is terminated or subject to termination by Deka Lash, according to the terms of that Franchise Agreement.
Upon termination of the Development Agreement, Deka Lash can establish or license others to establish Deka Lash units within the previously reserved Development Area without any restrictions. The developer's right to open and operate any remaining franchises that have not yet opened for business in the Development Area is revoked, meaning the developer will not have the right to construct, equip, own, open, or operate additional Deka Lash units that are not already subject to a then-existing Franchise Agreement in full force and effect.