factual

Under what circumstances can the Kidokinetics franchisor withhold consent to a transfer?

Kidokinetics Franchise · 2024 FDD

Answer from 2024 FDD Document

er or sell any products or services to Franchisee.

  • 15.2. Restrictions on Transfers by Franchisee. Franchisee's rights and duties under this Agreement are personal to Franchisee and/or Franchisee's Principal(s), and Franchisor has made this Agreement in reliance on Franchisor's perceptions of the individual and collective character, skill, aptitude, attitude, business ability, and financial capacity of Franchisee and/or Franchisee's Principals. Thus, no transfer, as hereafter defined, may be made without Franchisor's prior written approval, which will not be unreasonably withheld. Franchisor may void any transfer made without such approval.
  • 15.3. Transfers by Franchisee. Franchisee shall not directly or indirectly sell, assign, transfer, give, devise, convey or encumber this Agreement or any right or interest herein or hereunder (a "Transfer"), the Kidokinetics Business or any assets thereof (except in the ordinary course of business) or suffer or permit any such assignment, transfer, or encumbrance to occur by operation of law unless it first obtains the written consent of Franchisor, except as provided in Section 15.6 of this Agreement. A transfer of any stock in the Franchisee if it is a corporation or a transfer of any ownership rights in Franchisee if it is a partnership, a limited liability company or limited partnership is a Transfer and is prohibited without prior written consent of Franchisor. If Franchisee has complied fully with this Agreement, Franchisor will not unreasonably withhold its consent of a Transfer that meets the following requirements:
    • 15.3.1. The proposed transferee must be an individual of good moral character or the principals of the transferee must all be of good moral character and otherwise meet Franchisor's then-applicable standards for franchisees;
    • 15.3.2. The transferee must have sufficient business experience, aptitude and financial resources to operate the Kidokinetics Business and to comply with this Agreement;
    • 15.3.3. The transferee and its or their Manager have agreed to complete Franchisor's Initial Management Training Program to Franchisor's satisfaction;
    • 15.3.4. Franchisee has paid all amounts owed to Franchisor and third-party creditors;
    • 15.3.5. The transferee has executed Franchisor's then-standard form of Franchise Agreement, which may have terms and conditions materially different from this Agreement, except that the transferee will not be required to pay an Initial Franchise Fee;

  • 15.3.6. Franchisee and the transferee and each of Franchisee's and the transferee's Principals shall have executed a general release of all claims known or unknown under seal, in a form satisfactory to Franchisor, of any and all claims against Franchisor and Franchisor's officers, directors, shareholders, members and employees in their corporate and individual capacities, including, without limitation, claims arising out of or concerning under the Franchise Agreement and federal, state and local laws, rules and ordinances (to the fullest extent permitted by law). Franchisee will agree to subordinate any claims Franchisee may have against the transferee to Franchisor, and indemnify Franchisor for any acts, whether negligent or intentional, committed by Franchisee during the sales negotiations between Franchisee and transferee.
  • 15.3.7. Franchisor has granted written approval of the material terms and conditions of the Transfer, including, without limitation, that the price and terms of payment will not adversely affect the Kidokinetics Business's operation. However, Franchisor's approval of a Transfer is not in any way a representation or warranty of the transferee's success or the soundness of transferee's decision to purchase the Franchise on such terms and conditions. Franchisee shall provide Franchisor all proposed transfer documents for Franchisor's review at least 30 days prior to a closing of the proposed Transfer;
  • 15.3.8.

Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 59)

What This Means (2024 FDD)

According to Kidokinetics's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisor can withhold consent to a transfer under various circumstances. Kidokinetics states that franchisee rights and duties are personal, and the agreement relies on the character, skills, and financial capacity of the franchisee. Therefore, any transfer requires prior written approval, which will not be unreasonably withheld. However, Kidokinetics may void any transfer made without such approval.

Kidokinetics outlines specific requirements that must be met for a transfer to be considered for approval. These include ensuring the proposed transferee meets the franchisor's standards for franchisees, obtaining written approval of the transfer's material terms, and providing all proposed transfer documents for review at least 30 days before closing. Additionally, franchisees must cure all existing defaults under the agreement and comply with post-termination provisions. The transferee must also obtain all necessary permits and licenses.

Even if the franchisee has generally complied with the agreement, Kidokinetics retains the right to withhold or condition consent to any transfer based on the specific circumstances. This gives Kidokinetics broad discretion in evaluating proposed transfers and ensuring they align with the brand's best interests. Prospective franchisees should carefully consider these transfer conditions and the potential for the franchisor to withhold consent, as it could impact their ability to exit the business in the future.

Disclaimer: This information is extracted from the 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document and is provided for research purposes only. It does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with a franchise attorney before making any investment decisions.