If the franchisee is domiciled in Illinois, does Focus Cfo require this addendum to be signed?
Focus_Cfo Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| CFO," | This Addendum is made and entered by and between Focus CFO Group, LLC, ("Focus "Franchisor," ("Franchisee," "you" or "your"). | "Company", | "us", | "we" | or | "our"), | and |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Focus CFO and Franchisee are parties to that certain Franchise Agreement dated | ||||||
| , 20 | (the "Franchise Agreement") that has been signed concurrently | ||||||
| with the signing of this Addendum. This Addendum is attached to and forms a part of the Franchise | |||||||
| Agreement. This Addendum has been signed because (a) Franchisee is domiciled in Illinois; (b) | |||||||
| the offer of the franchise is made or accepted in Illinois; (c) the franchise business is or will be | |||||||
| located in Illinois; or (d) the franchised business is or will be located in Illinois. | |||||||
| 2. | Illinois law governs the Franchise Agreement. | ||||||
| 3. | In conformance with Section 4 of the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act, any | ||||||
| provision in a franchise agreement that designates jurisdiction and venue in a forum outside of the | |||||||
| State of Illinois is void. However, a franchise agreement may provide for arbitration to take place | |||||||
| outside of Illinois. | |||||||
| 4. | Your rights upon Termination and Non-Renewal are set forth in sections 19 and 20 | ||||||
| of the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act. | |||||||
| 5. | In conformance with section 41 of the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act, any | ||||||
| condition, stipulation or provision purporting to bind an |
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 37–126)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Focus Cfo Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee is domiciled in Illinois, Focus Cfo requires an addendum to the franchise agreement to be signed. This addendum is also required if the offer of the franchise is made or accepted in Illinois, or if the franchise business is or will be located in Illinois.
The addendum specifies that Illinois law governs the Franchise Agreement. It also states that any provision in the franchise agreement that designates jurisdiction and venue in a forum outside of Illinois is void, in conformance with Section 4 of the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act. However, the franchise agreement may provide for arbitration to take place outside of Illinois.
Additionally, the addendum clarifies the franchisee's rights upon termination and non-renewal, referencing sections 19 and 20 of the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act. It also notes that any condition, stipulation, or provision purporting to bind an individual to waive compliance with the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act is void, as per section 41 of the Act.