Does the Eos Worldwide release extend to the Franchisor's affiliates?

According to the 2025 Eos Worldwide Franchise Disclosure Document, the general release extends to the Franchisor's affiliates. Specifically, the release made by the EOS Franchisee (Releasor) benefits EOS Worldwide Franchising, LLC (the Franchisor), its affiliates, and other Released Parties. This means that when a franchisee signs a general release, it covers not only the franchisor but also its affiliated entities.

This is a standard practice in franchising, as franchisors often operate through multiple affiliated companies. These affiliates may be involved in various aspects of the franchise system, such as supply chain management, marketing, or real estate. By including affiliates in the release, Eos Worldwide aims to protect the entire corporate structure from potential legal claims that could arise from the franchisee's operation of the franchise.

For a prospective Eos Worldwide franchisee, this means that any claims they might have against the franchisor could be waived upon signing the release. This is particularly relevant when terminating the franchise agreement, as a general release is often required to ensure a clean break and prevent future litigation. Franchisees should carefully consider the implications of signing a release and consult with legal counsel to understand their rights and obligations.

It is important for franchisees to understand who the 'Released Parties' are, as defined in the full agreement, to fully grasp the scope of the release. Franchisees should also be aware of any claims or causes of action that cannot be released under applicable law, as these would be exceptions to the general release.