Can Mr. Sandless withhold or condition consent to any transfer as it deems appropriate?

According to Mr. Sandless's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Mr. Sandless retains the right to withhold or condition consent to any transfer of the franchise as it deems appropriate based on the circumstances of the transfer or otherwise. This gives Mr. Sandless broad discretion over who becomes a franchisee within their system.

This provision means that even if a franchisee finds a suitable buyer who meets all other requirements, Mr. Sandless can still refuse the transfer based on their own assessment of the situation. This could be due to concerns about the buyer's financial stability, business acumen, or alignment with the Mr. Sandless brand values.

For a prospective franchisee, this highlights the importance of understanding Mr. Sandless's criteria for approving transfers. While the FDD outlines some specific requirements, the "or otherwise" clause suggests that Mr. Sandless may consider other factors not explicitly listed. It would be prudent to discuss potential transfer scenarios with Mr. Sandless during the due diligence process to gain a better understanding of their expectations and potential concerns.