factual

Does Punch King Fitness have a right of first refusal to purchase a franchise in Michigan?

Punch_King_Fitness Franchise · 2024 FDD

Answer from 2024 FDD Document

B. No Other Restrictions

Developer acknowledges that, except to the extent expressly provided herein, Franchisor expressly retains all rights and discretion with respect to the Marks and System, including the right to:

  • 1. establish and license others to establish Punch King Fitness Franchised Businesses at any location outside of the Development Area;
  • 2. establish, and license others to establish businesses [other than a Competitive Business (as defined below)] under other systems using other proprietary marks at such locations, including within the Development Area, and on such terms and conditions as Franchisor deems appropriate;
  • 3. purchase or otherwise acquire the assets or controlling ownership of, and thereafter continue to own and operate, one or more businesses identical or similar to the Punch King Fitness Franchised Businesses (and/or acquire a franchise, license, and/or similar agreements for such businesses), some or all of which may be located anywhere, including within the Development Area that does not use the Marks;
  • 4. acquire (regardless of the form of the transaction) by any business, even if the other business operates, franchises, and/or licenses Competitive Businesses within the Development Area;
  • 5. sell the services and products authorized for Franchised Business using the Marks or other trademarks, service marks, and commercial symbols through alternate channels of distribution or Model Concepts, including but not limited to a storefront, brick, and mortar, co-branded, pop-up, virtual, or mobile outlets, joint marketing with partner companies, direct mail, catalog sales,

internet sites, and co-branding strategies, pursuant to such terms and conditions as Franchisor deems appropriate; and

  • 6. advertise, promote, market, or sell goods or services using the Marks over the internet, the world wide web, or any other electronic network.
  • 7. engage in any activities not expressly forbidden by this Agreement.

Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 56–215)

What This Means (2024 FDD)

Based on the 2024 Punch King Fitness Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisor retains specific rights regarding the establishment and operation of franchises. Punch King Fitness retains the right to establish and license others to establish Punch King Fitness Franchised Businesses at any location outside of a Development Area. They can also establish businesses (other than Competitive Businesses) under other systems using other proprietary marks at such locations, including within the Development Area.

Furthermore, Punch King Fitness can purchase or otherwise acquire the assets or controlling ownership of businesses identical or similar to Punch King Fitness Franchised Businesses, even within a Development Area, as long as those businesses do not use the Punch King Fitness Marks. They can also acquire any business, even if it operates, franchises, and/or licenses Competitive Businesses within the Development Area.

Additionally, Punch King Fitness reserves the right to sell services and products authorized for Franchised Businesses through alternate channels of distribution or Model Concepts, including storefronts, co-branded outlets, internet sites, and co-branding strategies. They can also advertise, promote, market, or sell goods or services using the Marks over the internet or any other electronic network. These reserved rights give Punch King Fitness broad discretion in how they operate and expand the brand, which could impact a franchisee's business depending on how these rights are exercised.

The FDD does not explicitly state whether Punch King Fitness has a right of first refusal to purchase a franchise in Michigan. A prospective franchisee should seek clarification from the franchisor regarding any specific rights of first refusal in Michigan or any other state of interest.

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.