Column Franchise+ – mr. J Sterk: “Court orders fast food chain to extend franchise agreement
The right to extend the franchise agreement
The case is set to begin this year. The franchisee has been refusing for years to sign the new franchise agreement that is offered upon renewal, as this would entail a deterioration of his legal position. However, the franchisor considers the existing franchise agreement outdated and strives for uniformity. However, the franchisee wants to negotiate the content with his lawyer first. The franchisor does not like this and points out that due to the conflict that has arisen and the interference of the lawyer, fruitful cooperation would no longer be possible. The franchisor then terminates the franchise agreement. The franchisee then starts summary proceedings. The court is of the opinion that the franchisor was too hasty and should have negotiated the terms of the extension with the franchisee and his lawyer. The franchisor is sentenced to extend the franchise agreement until an irrevocable decision has been made in proceedings on the merits that have apparently yet to be started, and that can take years, including an appeal and possibly even cassation.
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Judge: Protect franchisee against supermarket organization (Coop) as lessor
Does the franchisee need legal protection from supermarket franchisor Coop? The District Court of Rotterdam ruled on 9 February 2018, ECLI:NL:RBROT:2018:1151, that this is the case.
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Who has to prove that the franchisor's forecast is unsound? In principle, this is the franchisee. If the franchisee invokes the Acquisition Fraud Act, it may be that
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Franchise agreements sometimes provide that the franchisee is required to sell back purchased assets at the end of the franchise agreement.
Supermarket letter – 20
Uncertain legal position of Emté franchisees
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Franchisees must be adequately and generously informed in advance by the franchisor about the content and consequences of (further) agreements...
Interview Franchise+ – mrs. J. Sterk and AW Dolphijn – “Reversal of burden of proof in forecasts approved by court” – February 2018
The new Acquisition Fraud Act indeed appears to be relevant for the franchise industry, according to this article from Franchise+. Alex Dolphijn of Ludwig & Van Dam assists a franchisee in a