factual

What agreements does a Ledgers franchisee enter into to license the brand?

Ledgers Franchise · 2025 FDD

Answer from 2025 FDD Document

e to businesses ("Clients").

We seek to identify and recruit candidates with the ability to deliver outstanding Client service in a defined Territory who are willing to own at least one Franchise Business. Franchisee seeks to use the Franchise System to profitably deliver an outstanding Client experience (collectively the "Services").

For mutual promises expressed in this Agreement, along with other valuable consideration, the receipt of which is acknowledged, Ledgers and Franchisee (collectively "the Parties") will be bound as follows:

Scope

1.1. Franchise Relationship

A. Grant of Franchise

Ledgers grants to you the right to operate a company ("Franchise Business") using our System and our Marks to deliver Services within the geographic boundaries identified in Schedule 1 (the "Territory") during the Term by and through the Franchisee Business Entity identified on the Summary Page and signature page of this Agreement (or as a sole proprietor or partnership if there is no business entity) and in conformity with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

B. Independent Contractors.

Your relationship with us is that of an independent contractor. This Agreement does not create a partnership, joint venture, or any other entity between the Parties. Neither Party has a fiduciary duty or other special duty respect to the other Party. You are not a third-party beneficiary to any contract between us and any other franchisee.

C. Your Employees

As a separate Franchise Business, you have sole and exclusive control over your employees. Neither you nor your employees and agents may make a claim as employees or agents of us for any purpose

including participation in an employee benefit plan, stock option program, or workers compensation law.

D. No Unauthorized Commitments.

Similarly, you will not make any promises, guarantees or warrantees to any third party, that would create a binding obligation for us without our prior written consent.

1.2. Term and Renewal

A. Term.

This Agreement will commence upon its Effective Date and will last for a term of ten (10) years (the "Term").

B. Renewal and Subsequent Renewals.

Upon the completion of the Term, or a renewal Term as the case may be, if you are in compliance with this Agreement and meet other conditions for renewal, you may enter into a new contract, on the then-current form. We will not change material Terms including your Territory in your renewals. If you wish to renew this Agreement, you must:

    1. notify us in writing at least 90 days before the expiration of this Agreement;
    1. execute a general release of all claims you may have against us (See Schedule 6);
    1. pay any required renewal fee (if any);

1.3. Territory

You will receive a geographic area within which we promise not to establish either a companyowned or franchised outlet selling the same or similar goods or services under the same or similar trademarks or service Marks. A geographic area will normally include a population of 65,000 residents and at least 3,500 business as defined by our marketing programs, as determined by the U.S. Census Bureau, or other mapping data that we feel is reliable. Schedule 1 defines your "Territory" by zip codes, political, or geographic boundaries.

We offer an area representative franchise opportunity through its own franchise disclosure document. Area representatives find, solicit, and recruit prospective franchisees to operate a franchised business like yours. Area representatives may also support franchised business within their area representative territory through marketing and operating assistance. Your Territory may now, or in the future, be within an area representative's territory. We will provide you with contact information for the area representative with area representative rights in the Territory upon request (if applicable to you).

Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 46)

What This Means (2025 FDD)

According to the 2025 Ledgers Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee enters into a Franchise Agreement with Ledgers to operate a franchise business. This agreement grants the franchisee the right to operate a business using the Ledgers system and trademarks within a defined geographic territory, as outlined in Schedule 1 of the agreement, for a term of 10 years from the effective date.

The Franchise Agreement specifies that the relationship between Ledgers and the franchisee is that of an independent contractor, and it does not create a partnership or joint venture. The franchisee has sole control over their employees and cannot make unauthorized commitments that would bind Ledgers without prior written consent. The franchisee must also operate the business according to the then-current Ledgers Manual and use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain engagement agreements in writing before performing services.

Additionally, if a franchisee chooses to lease a commercial space, a lease rider outlines the relationship between the landlord, franchisee (tenant), and Ledgers (franchisor). The landlord must provide Ledgers with copies of any default notices given to the tenant, and Ledgers has the option to cure any default if the tenant fails to do so. If the lease is terminated due to the tenant's default, Ledgers has the option to enter into a new lease with the landlord under the same terms. If the Franchise Agreement is terminated, the tenant must assign the lease to Ledgers upon written request, subject to the landlord's approval. The tenant authorizes the landlord and Ledgers to communicate directly about the tenant's business.

Disclaimer: This information is extracted from the 2025 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.