Does the definition of 'Transfer' for an Itan franchise include the sale of Salon assets?
Itan Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
"Transfer" means a transfer or assignment of: (a) the Franchise Agreement or ADA (or any interest in either such agreement); (b) the Salon's assets (other than the sale of fixtures or equipment in the ordinary course of business); (c) any ownership interest in the entity that is the "franchisee" or "area developer"; or (d) the franchised business you conduct under the Franchise Agreement or ADA.
Source: Item 6 — OTHER FEES (FDD pages 11–15)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Itan's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the definition of "Transfer" includes the sale of Salon assets, with a specific exception. A "Transfer" is defined as the transfer or assignment of several items related to the franchise. This includes the Franchise Agreement or ADA, the Salon's assets (excluding the sale of fixtures or equipment in the ordinary course of business), any ownership interest in the franchisee entity, or the franchised business itself.
This definition is important for prospective Itan franchisees because it clarifies what actions are considered a transfer requiring franchisor approval and potentially triggering transfer fees or other obligations outlined in the Franchise Agreement. The exclusion for the sale of fixtures or equipment in the ordinary course of business provides some flexibility for franchisees to manage and update their Salon without automatically triggering the transfer process.
It is important to note the specific exclusion regarding the sale of fixtures or equipment in the ordinary course of business. This implies that routine sales of such items, like replacing tanning beds or updating furniture, would not be considered a transfer. However, a more substantial sale of assets, such as selling a significant portion of the Salon's equipment as part of a larger transaction, would likely be considered a transfer under the agreement. Franchisees should seek clarification from Itan regarding specific scenarios to ensure compliance with the Franchise Agreement.