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Can a Southern Steer Multi-Unit Developer transfer the Multi-Unit Development Agreement or its rights under the agreement, and if so, under what conditions?

Southern_Steer Franchise · 2025 FDD

Answer from 2025 FDD Document

nd the purchase price shall be calculated in accordance with the terms and procedures set forth in such Franchise Agreement.

9. OPTION OF THE FRANCHISOR TO PURCHASE

  • Notice. The Multi-Unit Developer will not Transfer or otherwise dispose of any interest in or any part of (a) the Multi-Unit Developer 's interest in this Agreement, including the right of the Multi-Unit Developer to develop Southern Steer Businesses in the Development Territory except as provided for in Section 7.2. The Multi-Unit Developer will not Transfer or otherwise dispose of any interest in or any part of any Ownership Interest in the Multi-Unit Developer ("Major Assets") to any purchaser without first offering the same to the Franchisor in a written offer that contains the purchase price, payment terms, and all other material terms and conditions of the proposed transaction with the third party, including price and payment terms ("Multi-Unit Developer's Offer"). The Franchisor will have 30 days after receipt of the Multi-Unit Developer's Offer to give the Multi-Unit Developer written notice of the Franchisor's desire to either waive its option to purchase ("Waiver Notice") or its intention to exercise its rights to purchase or acquire the Major Assets according to the terms contained in the Multi-Unit Developer's Offer ("Notice of Intent to Purchase").
  • Due Diligence Review. If the Franchisor provides the Multi-Unit Developer with a Notice of Intent to Purchase within 30 days after receipt of the Multi-Unit Developer's Offer, then the Franchisor will have 90 days after the date the Notice of Intent to Purchase is received by the Multi-Unit Developer ("Notice Date") to conduct a due diligence review. The Multi-Unit Developer will promptly provide the Franchisor with all Financial Records and other information requested by the Franchisor or its representatives to conduct its due diligence review. The Franchisor will have the absolute and unconditional right to terminate the Notice of Intent to Purchase and any obligation to purchase the Major Assets from the Multi-Unit Developer for any reason and at any time during the 90-day due diligence review period by giving the Multi-Unit Developer written notice.
  • Good Faith Negotiations.

Source: Item 5 — and 7 of the FDD, Section 3.1 of the Franchise Agreement and Section 4.1 of the Multi-Unit Development Agreement are hereby amended to state that payment of the initial franchise fee and development fee will be deferred until We have satisfied Our pre-opening obligations, and You have commenced business operations. (FDD pages 168–290)

What This Means (2025 FDD)

According to Southern Steer's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a Multi-Unit Developer faces certain restrictions regarding the transfer of the Multi-Unit Development Agreement or their rights under it. The Multi-Unit Developer cannot transfer their interest in the agreement or their right to develop Southern Steer businesses in the Development Territory, except as provided in Section 7.2 of the agreement.

Furthermore, the Multi-Unit Developer is restricted from transferring any ownership interest in the Multi-Unit Developer entity without first offering it to the Franchisor. This offer must be in writing and include all terms of the proposed transaction with a third party, such as the purchase price and payment terms. The Franchisor then has 30 days to either waive their option to purchase or express their intention to purchase the assets under the same terms.

If the Franchisor declines to exercise their option to purchase and the Multi-Unit Developer proceeds to sell to a third party, both the Multi-Unit Developer and the purchaser must still comply with the terms and conditions outlined in Section 7 of the agreement. Any transfer of Southern Steer Businesses that doesn't include a transfer of the Multi-Unit Development Agreement will be considered a wrongful termination of the agreement by the Multi-Unit Developer.

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.