Legal Help To Ensure A Smooth Transition Of Business Ownership
At Luther Lanard, we protect the interests of business owners. When you are selling a business, we help you effectively sever your ties so you do not suffer from ongoing liability for your former business.
Our franchise law attorneys work hard to facilitate the sale of your business as quickly and smoothly as possible. You can rest assured that our team will strongly advocate for your best interests and strive to maximize your assets. When representing a seller in the process of a business sale, we negotiate the documents so that they are free of obligations once the sale goes through.
We protect your excluded assets and make sure that you are no longer bound to any prior franchise agreements or commercial leases. If you will be lending part of the purchase price to the buyer of the business, we draft the required documents, including the promissory note, security interest, personal guaranty and UCC filings, to ensure that your financial interests are protected with appropriate collateral.
Selling A Franchise Business
Selling a franchise business consists of some additional steps. If the seller is a franchisee, he or she will need to secure the consent of the franchisor and the landlord. We will also make sure that all business assets and liabilities are transferred to the new owner.
Our team has more than 25 years of experience helping clients buy and sell businesses and franchises across multiple industries. Our clients appreciate that we utilize our decades of experience to provide the best experience at reasonable fees. Luther Lanard provides you with high-quality legal work and prompt, responsive services at reasonable fees. Call our team at 949-649-4241 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
Legal Evaluation Of Your Franchise Agreement
If you are a potential franchisee, your business documents are key. Therefore, it is critical to ensure that they are valid, comprehensive and fair before you make a purchase decision.
At Luther Lanard, our franchise attorneys do not hold up the process. We are deal makers, not deal breakers.
We have extensive experience representing franchisees nationwide, which allows us to know what is typical, what is concerning and what is important to revise. Through meticulous contract review and negotiation, we will work to protect your interests.
Thorough Research Leads To An Informed Purchase
The trademark is the cornerstone of what you are buying with a franchise investment. Our franchise lawyers will check that the trademark is a live, valid, federally registered trademark. This process involves checking state records to ensure there will be no trademark infringement claim brought against you.
We will also learn about the background of the people and company along with the franchisor’s litigation and bankruptcy disclosures, among other records. In addition, we will review the terms of the franchise agreement and explain the franchisor’s obligations to the franchisees and vice versa.
Gain A Complete Assessment
You can depend on our firm to provide a sophisticated review of franchise-related documents, including:
- Certain items of disclosure contained in the franchise disclosure document (FDD)
- Franchise agreements
- Area development agreements
- Personal guaranties
- Software licensing agreements
- Nondisclosure/confidentiality agreements
When necessary, we can negotiate the franchise agreement on your behalf. We may help you seek modifications that could protect you legally or financially. For example, we can request limits to indemnification to the franchisor, which can help shield you from potential liability for economic losses.
Review Your Documents Today
Investing in a franchise opportunity is a significant financial decision. Safeguard your interests with the help of an experienced franchise lawyer. Located in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, but serving clients nationwide, we can help you from the initial contract review through entity formation and more anywhere in the country.
Call 949-649-4241 or email Luther Lanard for a free consultation. For decades, our attorneys have provided quality services at reasonable flat fees.
Reach A Sophisticated Solution For Your Business
Starting and managing a business is complex. The decisions you make today can have a significant impact on your day-to-day operations as well as your long-term opportunities. Sometimes it is hard to know whether you are making the right call in a given situation.
Small and midsize businesses can count on Luther Lanard for their legal needs. We provide the same services as in-house legal counsel – without the same expenses. You can rely on our knowledge to guide your decisions, allowing you to proceed with confidence.
Guiding Your Business Forward
Our experienced business law attorneys provide advice for several legal matters, such as:
- Business start-up, entity formation and operation agreements
- Employment contracts, including noncompete and nondisclosure agreements
- Acquisitions and sales of existing business or franchise businesses
- Business succession planning
- Contracts such as license agreements, joint venture agreements, escrow and release agreements
Whether your business is in its early stages or already well-established, Luther Lanard can help you achieve your goals while managing time and costs. Our firm has facilitated operations and transactions for over 25 years. Based in Pennsylvania, we can support businesses throughout the country.
With Transactions, Do Not Take An Unnecessary Risk
In any business transaction, our team is committed to providing high attention to detail and personal consideration. We will carefully review the documents to detect potential shortcomings and risks.
Real estate is often a substantial investment for businesses. For commercial lease agreements, work with a trusted lawyer. Our firm has experience with the complexities of commercial leases, which gives us insight to help you make the most of your transaction.
Take The Guesswork Out Of Your Business Decision
When you are ready to take the next step forward, we will be here for you. Call 949-649-4241 or email our firm to discuss your legal needs with a skilled lawyer. We offer free virtual initial consultations upon request.
Why Should You Hire A Franchise Attorney?
The relative ease of investing in a franchise opportunity versus building a brand new business from the ground up is an attractive prospect for many entrepreneurs. Anyone with a bit of capital can begin operating a franchise once properly trained by the franchisor. Often the franchisor tells the prospective franchisees that the franchise agreement (contract) is not negotiable. Having knowledgeable legal representation in your corner can help ensure that your interests are protected and avoid potentially costly legal disputes further down the road. Hiring an experienced franchisee attorney to be on your team is a critical last step to take before you sign the contract.
At Luther Lanard, our founding attorney brings more than 25 years of legal experience to franchisee representation. Our lawyers are licensed in multiple states and provide nationwide counsel. We are prepared to put our experience and insight to work for you as you enter into the world of franchise ownership.
The Benefits Of Retaining Legal Counsel
Franchise law encompasses rules and regulations at both the state and federal levels. It is essential to have someone on your side who understands this complex network and the impact these laws may have on your business venture. Another advantage of having legal counsel in your corner is that you can fully understand the terms of your Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and the contracts you will be required to sign. We have reviewed thousands of franchise agreements and FDDs over the years, and we can quickly spot atypical or burdensome terms. If a clause raises a red flag, we can request a modification to the franchise agreement. Why use us over your local attorney? You wouldn’t use a family doctor, internist or general practitioner to perform cardiac surgery. Why would you use your local business attorney or attorney who is a family member to represent you in this very specialized area of law?
When you come to us, we will provide comprehensive, personalized representation at every stage of the process. This includes setting up your legal entity for you and helping negotiate the commercial lease for your business. Most of our services are charged at a flat rate, so you do not have to worry about hourly rates inflating the final cost should something unexpected arise. When you are making a significant investment in a new business opportunity, it is vital to ensure your interests are protected with the help of a skilled franchise law attorney.
To Find Out How We Can Help You, Contact Us Today
To learn more about our franchise law services and how our representation can benefit you, call us at 949-649-4241. You may also contact us online, and we will respond to your message promptly. Our main office is located just outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania but our practice is nationwide. We have lawyers licensed across the country who are waiting to help you navigate the complex legal documents.
Buying A Franchise? Becoming A Franchisee Is An Important Decision.
Franchising, as a franchisee, can be one of the most efficient and effective ways to achieve the American dream. If you are looking to buy a franchise, then caution should be exercised before leaping into the opportunity so as to avoid potential risks. Understand the commitment you are undertaking and your rights and obligations as a franchisee.
Contact Nancy Lanard, Senior Partner at Luther Lanard today to discuss your plans for owning a franchise. Our franchise lawyers have years of experience in all aspects of franchise law. Founding attorney Nancy Lanard previously served as in-house counsel to international weight loss franchisor Nutri/System, Inc. Both Nancy Lanard and the attorneys at Luther Lanard have extensive experience representing franchisees of various systems.
Contact Luther Lanard For Counsel
Call our team at 949-649-4241 for the franchise law assistance you need. You can also contact us online. While our primary office is located in Pennsylvania, our lawyers are located across the United States and we represent clients nationwide.