Our Commercial law team has extensive experience in drafting, negotiating and advising on franchise agreements, including franchisees and master franchisors in UK and international brands.
We have advised on franchise arrangements across a broad range of sectors and jurisdictions. Our notable client experience includes acting for franchisees of well-known brands such as Simply Fresh, Pepe’s Piri Piri, Papa Johns, Pizza Hut Deliveries, McDonald’s, Subway and Little Dessert Shop, as well as Canada-based Mary Brown’s Chicken and the sports and leisure trampoline operator Flip Out.
Acting for franchisors
We support businesses at every stage of franchise development from initial structuring to ongoing network management
We assist with:
Setting up a franchise network
- Structuring your franchise model
- Preparing and drafting franchise agreements
- Drafting operations manuals
- Advising on intellectual property protection (trade marks, branding and know-how)
- Preparing heads of terms and pilot franchise arrangements.
Expanding and managing your network
- Area development agreements
- Master franchise agreements (UK and international expansion)
- Advising on competition law and restrictive covenants
- Data protection compliance
- Ongoing advisory support on network issues.
Acting for Franchisees
Investing in a franchise can be a significant financial and personal commitment. We ensure you fully understand the legal and commercial risks before you proceed.
We assist with:
Reviewing franchise agreements
- Detailed review of franchise agreements and disclosure documents
- Advice on fee structures, royalties and ongoing obligations
- Assessing restrictive covenants and non-compete clauses
- Advising on territory rights and renewal terms
- Identifying potential risk areas before you sign.
Negotiating terms
- Negotiating amendments to franchise agreements
- Advising on personal guarantees
- Reviewing lease arrangements and property documentation
- Advising on funding arrangements.
We focus on giving clear, practical advice so you can make informed decisions and protect your investment.
When is it advisable to use a franchise agreement?
Franchise agreements are typically complex, detailed and heavily weighted in favour of the franchisor. In the case of established franchise companies, there is often limited or no scope to negotiate the key commercial terms.
Although franchising can present a significant commercial opportunity, the obligations imposed on a franchisee can be onerous and long-term. It is therefore essential that franchisees and master franchisors obtain specialist legal advice to fully understand their contractual obligations, risks and exit provisions before entering into a franchise agreement.
What is involved?
While franchising structures can vary, a franchise agreement generally involves the grant of a licence by the franchisor, allowing the franchisee to operate a business under the franchisor’s brand and business model.
Franchisees are usually required to adhere strictly to prescribed operational systems, standards and procedures, typically set out in a detailed operations manual. While franchisors often provide training and ongoing support, they also retain a high degree of control over the franchisee’s activities to safeguard the reputation, consistency and goodwill of the brand.
Our team provides practical, commercially focused advice, ensuring our clients are fully informed and well positioned before committing to a franchise arrangement.
Client testimonial
Clear, commercial advice
“The team provided clear, commercial advice throughout the franchise process and ensured we fully understood the risks and obligations before entering into the agreement. Their experience with international brands was invaluable.”
Find out more about the team
