factual

How are the contribution amounts to the Advertising Cooperative determined for Mrcool franchisees?

Mrcool Franchise · 2025 FDD

Answer from 2025 FDD Document

9.F. ADVERTISING COOPERATIVE

At all times Franchisor, in Franchisor's Reasonable Business Judgment, possesses the right to authorize, establish, designate and de-authorize a local or regional advertising cooperative within those markets that Franchisor designates (the "Advertising Cooperative"). Franchisee agrees that Franchisor possesses the sole and exclusive right to designate any geographic area in which two or more Center franchises are located as a region for the purpose of establishing an Advertising Cooperative. If Franchisee's Center or Designated Territory is located within the geographic area of an Advertising Cooperative, franchisee must participate in and contribute to the Advertising Cooperative. Franchisee agrees to the following:

  • (1) If Franchisor previously instituted or, in the future, institutes an Advertising Cooperative that includes, in whole or in part, Franchisee's Designated Territory or Franchisee's Center Location, Franchisee shall participate in and make such on-going financial contributions to the Advertising Cooperative, as determined by the Advertising Cooperative;
  • (2) Franchisor may establish foundational and organizational requirements of the Advertising Cooperative including voting provisions that allows the Advertising Cooperative to make decisions based on the simple majority vote (one vote per franchisee Center located within the designated area of the Advertising Cooperative) with a quorum constituting 25% of those franchisees within the Advertising Cooperative;
  • (3) Unless otherwise authorized and approved by Franchisor in writing, each Advertising Cooperative shall be organized for the exclusive purpose of administering marketing programs and the development of media (all subject to the review and approval of Franchisor) for use by members of the Advertising Cooperative in local or regional marketing;
  • (4) If at the time of execution of this Agreement an Advertising Cooperative has been established for a geographic area that includes, in whole or in part, Franchisee's Center location or Designated Territory, or if such Advertising Cooperative is established during the Term of this Agreement, Franchisee shall fully participate in the Advertising Cooperative and Franchisee shall execute, at the request of Franchisor, all documents required by Franchisor and Franchisee shall become a member of the Advertising Cooperative subject to the terms of those documents;
  • (5) Franchisee shall contribute to the Advertising Cooperative in the amounts as determined and required by the Advertising Cooperative or, otherwise in accordance with those documents governing the operation of the Advertising Cooperative; provided, however, Franchisee's contributions to the Advertising Cooperative shall not exceed Franchisee's local minimum marketing obligations set forth in Article 9.B. of this Agreement and Franchisee's contributions to the Advertising Cooperative shall count toward satisfaction of Franchisee's minimum local marketing obligations set forth in Article 9.B.;

Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 55–263)

What This Means (2025 FDD)

According to Mrcool's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees may be required to participate in a local or regional advertising cooperative if one is established for their area. Mrcool retains the right to authorize, establish, designate, and de-authorize these cooperatives within designated markets. If a franchisee's center or designated territory falls within the area of an Advertising Cooperative, participation and contribution are mandatory.

The amount a Mrcool franchisee contributes to the Advertising Cooperative is determined and required by the Advertising Cooperative itself. However, the franchisee's contributions to the Advertising Cooperative will not exceed the franchisee's local minimum marketing obligations as outlined in Article 9.B of the franchise agreement. Furthermore, any contributions made to the Advertising Cooperative count toward fulfilling the franchisee's minimum local marketing obligations.

The Advertising Cooperative is intended to administer marketing programs and develop media for its members' use in local or regional marketing efforts, all subject to Mrcool's review and approval. The cooperative makes decisions based on a simple majority vote, with one vote per franchisee center located within the designated area, and a quorum consisting of 25% of the franchisees within the Advertising Cooperative.

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.