Who are the 'Released Parties' that the Engel & Volkers franchisee and owner are releasing from claims?

Franchisee [and Owner each] hereby releases and forever discharges Engel & Völkers and affiliates and their respective officers, directors, owners, principals, managers, employees, successors and assigns (collectively the "Released Parties"), from any and all claims, demands, obligations, liabilities, actions, causes of action, suits, proceedings, controversies, disputes, agreements, promises, allegations, costs and expenses, at law or in equity, of every nature, character or description whatsoever, whether known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected or anticipated or unanticipated, which Franchisee [or Owner] ever had, now has, or may, shall or can hereafter have or acquire (collectively referred to as "Claims"). This Release includes, but is not limited to, all Claims arising out of, concerning, pertaining to or connected with the Franchise Agreement, any other agreement, tort, statutory violation, representation, nondisclosure, act, omission to act, fact, matter or thing whatsoever, occurring as of or prior to the date of this Release, so that after the date of this Release, [neither] Franchisee [nor Owner] shall have any Claim of any kind or nature whatsoever against the Released Parties, directly or indirectly, or by reason of any matter, cause, action, transaction or thing whatsoever done, said or omitted to have been done or said at any time prior to the date of this Release. [In Maryland, the general release provisions shall not apply to any liability under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law.] [In Washington, the general release provision shall not apply to any liability under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act and the rules adopted thereunder.]

Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 88)