In Illinois, does a franchisee's signed acknowledgement have the effect of disclaiming reliance on any statement made by any Ledgers franchise seller?

According to Ledgers' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, in Illinois, a franchisee's signed acknowledgment does not disclaim reliance on statements made by Ledgers or its representatives.

Specifically, the FDD states that any statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgment signed by a Ledgers franchisee in Illinois related to the start of the franchise relationship cannot waive claims under Illinois franchise law, including claims of fraud. It also cannot disclaim reliance on statements made by Ledgers, franchise sellers, or anyone acting on Ledgers' behalf. This protection is in place to ensure that franchisees are not bound by agreements that could prevent them from pursuing legal recourse based on misrepresentations or fraud.

This provision is particularly important for prospective franchisees in Illinois as it ensures that they retain their rights under the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act, regardless of any agreements they may sign during the franchise commencement process. This clause overrides any conflicting terms in any document executed in connection with the franchise, offering an additional layer of protection to the franchisee.

This type of clause is not uncommon in franchise agreements, as many states have franchise laws designed to protect franchisees from overreaching franchisors. Prospective franchisees should always carefully review the FDD and franchise agreement to understand their rights and obligations, and consult with an attorney if they have any questions or concerns.