Exhibit 6.1
EASYRIDERS FRANCHISING, INC.
FRANCHISE AGREEMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Paragraph Page
---------- -----
I. Appointment and Franchise Fee..............2
II. Term and Renewal...........................4
III. Business Location..........................5
IV. Training and Assistance....................8
V. Proprietary Marks..........................9
VI. Confidential Operations Manual............10
VII. Confidential Information..................11
VIII. Modification of the System................12
IX. Advertising...............................12
X. Continuing Services and Royalty Fee.......15
XI. Accounting and Records....................16
XII. Standards of Quality and Performance......17
XIII. Franchisor's Operations Assistance........20
XIV. Insurance.................................22
XV. Covenants.................................24
XVI. Default and Termination...................26
XVII. Rights and Duties of Parties Upon
Expiration or Termination..............28
XVIII. Transferability of Interest...............30
XIX. Death or Incapacity of Franchisee.........34
XX. Right of First Refusal....................35
XXI. Operation in the Event of Absence,
Disability or Death....................35
XXII. Independent Contractor And
Indemnification........................36
XXIII. Non-Waiver................................36
XXIV. Notice....................................37
XXV. Cost of Enforcement or Defense............37
XXVI. Entire Agreement..........................38
XXVII. Severability and Construction.............38
XXVIII. Applicable Law............................39
XXIX. Arbitration...............................39
XXX. "Franchisee" Defined and Guaranty.........40
XXXI. Force Majeure.............................40
XXXII. Caveat....................................40
XXXIII. Acknowledgments...........................41
Exhibits
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A. Guaranty and Assumption of Obligations
B. Refunds and Cancellation
C. Map of Designated Area
D. Conversion Franchise Agreement
EASYRIDERS FRANCHISING, INC.
FRANCHISE AGREEMENT
This Franchise Agreement ("this Agreement"), made by and between
EASYRIDERS FRANCHISING, INC., a corporation formed and operating under the
laws of California and having its principal place of business at ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ("Franchisor"), and ___________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________("Franchisee").
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, Franchisor, and its affiliates, over a period of time and as the
result of the expenditure of time, skill, effort and money, (a) has developed
and owns a unique system ("System"), identified by the ▇▇▇▇ "EASYRIDERS",
relating to the establishment, development and operation of businesses for the
retail sale of motorcycle paraphernalia such as shirts, jackets, belts,
posters and related items and the sale of parts and related hard goods and
related services; (b) and has developed a line of motorcycle related goods and
other merchandise and products bearing the Marks ("Trademarked Product
Lines"), all of which may be changed from time to time; and (c) has developed
certain specifications and standards, marketing and advertising techniques for
such products and merchandise, all of which may be changed, improved or
further developed by Franchisor from time to time; and
WHEREAS, the distinguishing characteristics of the System include,
without limitation, exterior and interior design, decor, and layout standards,
exclusively designed signage, furnishings and materials; specialized retail
business operating procedures and methods; unique techniques and methods for
merchandising activities; the EASYRIDERS Confidential Operations Manual;
procedures and techniques relating to the marketing of the Trademarked Product
Lines the Proprietary Software Package (if developed); distinct procedures for
purchasing inventory and merchandise; other confidential operations
procedures; and methods and techniques for inventory and cost controls, record
keeping and reporting, personnel management, purchasing, sales promotion,
marketing and advertising; all of which may be changed, improved and further
developed by Franchisor from time to time; and
WHEREAS, Franchisor's affiliate, Paisano Publications, Inc., is the owner
of the right, title and interest together with all the goodwill connected
thereto in and to the trade name, trademarks and service marks "EASYRIDERS",
"EASYRIDERS, plus the design", associated logos and commercial symbols and
such other trade names, trademarks and service marks as are now designated
(and may hereinafter be designated by Franchisor) as an integral part of the
System ("▇▇▇▇(s)") and has licensed to Franchisor the rights to use the Marks
and sublicense the Marks to franchisees;
WHEREAS, Franchisor grants to qualified persons franchises to own and
operate EASYRIDERS business selling and distributing motorcycle paraphernalia
and hard goods, some of which will bear the Marks, and related merchandise and
products and providing services authorized and approved by Franchisor and
utilizing the System and Marks. Franchisee desires to operate a EASYRIDERS
business under the System and using the Marks and has applied for a franchise
and such application has been approved by Franchisor in reliance upon all of
the representations made therein; and
WHEREAS, Franchisee understands and acknowledges the importance of
Franchisor's high and uniform standards of quality, operations, and service
and the necessity of operating the EASYRIDERS retail business in strict
conformity with Franchisor's standards and specifications; and
WHEREAS, Franchisor expressly disclaims the making of and Franchisee
acknowledges that it has not received nor relied upon any warranty or
guaranty, express or implied, as to the revenues, profits or success of the
business venture contemplated by this Agreement. Franchisee acknowledges that
it has read this Agreement and Franchisor's Uniform Franchise offering
Circular and that it has no knowledge of any representations by Franchisor, or
its officers, directors, shareholders, employees or agents that are contrary
to the statements made in Franchisor's Uniform Franchise Offering Circular or
to the terms herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties, in consideration of the undertakings and
commitments of each party to the other set forth in this Agreement hereby
agree as follows:
I. APPOINTMENT AND FRANCHISE FEE
A. Franchisor hereby grants to Franchisee, upon the terms and
conditions herein contained, the right, license and privilege to use the
Marks, and Franchisee undertakes the obligation to operate a EASYRIDERS retail
business for the sale and distribution of a wide assortment of motorcycle
paraphernalia and hard goods, some of which will bear the Marks, and related
merchandise and products ("Franchised Business") and to use safely in
connection therewith the System, as it may be changed, improved and further
developed from time to time, at one location only, such location to be:
1)_________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
or;
2) At a location to be designated, as provided in Paragraph III
hereof within the following area: ___________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Provided, however, that when a location has been designated and approved by
the parties, said location shall become Paragraph I.A.1., as if originally
incorporated therein. Franchisee shall not relocate the Franchised Business
without the prior written approval of Franchisor.
B. Franchisee receives an exclusive territory and such territories
will vary in size and dimensions. Franchisor shall not grant to itself or
another person a EASYRIDERS franchise within such exclusive territory. The
determination of the exclusive territory shall be made and agreed upon between
Franchisor and Franchisee. The exclusive territory so selected is described in
writing below and in a map attached hereto as Exhibit C and hereby made a part
of this Agreement. Franchisee may relocate its business within the same
general vicinity, while remaining in the aforesaid territory, only with the
prior written approval of Franchisor and subject to the rights of other
franchisees.
C. Franchisor will not, so long as this Agreement is in force and
effect and Franchisee is not in material default under any of the terms
hereof, enfranchise or operate any other EASYRIDERS business within the
following area:_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
("Designated Area").
D. Franchisor has the right, in its sole discretion, to grant such
other franchises outside of the Designated Area as Franchisor, in its sole and
exclusive discretion, deems appropriate. Further, both within and outside of
the Designated Area, Franchisee acknowledges that Franchisor may hereafter and
that Franchisor's affiliates have and will continue to hereafter advertise,
promote, offer and sell at wholesale or retail and authorize others the right
to offer and sell (in various ways including mail order catalog sales,
magazine and other media advertising and promotions through company owned
stores, licensed Full-line Dealers, mobile retail showrooms at various public
events, and through other motorcycle-related vendors or any other species of
wholesale or retail vendor whatsoever), the products which may comprise or may
in the future comprise a part of the System. Those products and services which
comprise a part of the EASYRIDERS System are delineated and set forth in
detail in the EASYRIDERS Confidential Operations Manual ("Confidential
Operations Manual"), which Confidential Operations Manual may be amended from
time to time to reflect additions to, deletions from and modifications to the
specifications of those services and products which comprise a part of the
System.
E. In consideration of the franchise granted herein, Franchisee shall
pay to Franchisor an initial franchise fee ("Franchise Fee") of FIVE THOUSAND
Dollars ($5,000.00). The initial franchise fee is waived for "Full-line
Dealer" licensees of Franchisor or its affiliate who elect to become a
Franchised Business by executing a Franchise Agreement within thirty (30) days
of the applicable effective date. Said fee shall be deemed fully earned and
non-refundable upon execution of this Agreement as consideration for expenses
incurred by Franchisor in furnishing assistance and services to Franchisee and
for Franchisor's lost or deferred opportunity to franchise others, except as
may be specifically provided in this Agreement, Exhibit B, or any other
Exhibit attached hereto.
F. Franchisee acknowledges that because complete and detailed
uniformity under many varying conditions may not be possible or practical,
Franchisor specifically reserves the right and privilege, at its sole
discretion and as it may deem in the best interests of all concerned in any
specific instance, to vary standards for any System franchisee based upon the
peculiarities of the particular site or circumstance, density of population,
business potential, population of trade area, existing business practices or
any other condition which Franchisor deems to be of importance to the
successful operation of such franchisee's business. Franchisee shall not be
entitled to require Franchisor to disclose or grant to franchisee a like or
similar variation hereunder.
II. TERM AND RENEWAL
A. This Agreement shall be effective and binding from the date of its
execution for an initial term equal to five (5) years commencing on the date
of execution of this Agreement.
B. Franchisee shall have the right to renew this franchise before the
expiration of the initial term of the Franchise for three (3) additional
successive terms of five (5) years each, providing all of the conditions
hereinafter set forth have been fulfilled:
1. Franchisee has, during the entire term of this Agreement,
complied with all its provisions;
2. Franchisee maintains possession of the premises of the
Franchised Business ("Franchised Premises") and by the expiration date of this
Agreement has brought the Franchised Business into full compliance with the
specifications and standards then applicable for new or renewing EASYRIDERS
businesses and presents evidence satisfactory to Franchisor that it has the
right to remain in possession of the Franchised Premises for the duration of
any renewal term; or, in the event Franchisee is unable to maintain possession
of the premises, or if in the judgment of Franchisor, the Franchised Business
should be relocated, Franchisee secures substitute premises approved by
Franchisor and has furnished, stocked and equipped such premises to bring the
Franchised Business at its substitute premises into full compliance with the
then-current specifications and standards by the expiration date of this
Agreement;
3. Franchisee has given notice of renewal to Franchisor as
provided below;
4. Franchisee has satisfied all monetary obligations owed by
Franchisee to Franchisee's suppliers, Franchisor and its affiliates, if any,
and has timely met these obligations throughout the term of this Agreement;
5. Franchisee has executed upon renewal Franchisor's
then-current form of Franchise Agreement (with appropriate modifications to
reflect the fact that the agreement relates to the grant of a renewal
Franchise), which agreement shall supersede in all respects this Agreement,
and the terms of which may differ from the terms of this Agreement, including,
without limitation, a different percentage Continuing Services and Royalty
Fee, advertising contribution and/or a different territory; provided, however,
Franchisee shall not be required to pay the then-current initial franchise fee
or its equivalent;
6. Franchisee has complied with Franchisor's then-current
qualification and training requirements; and
7. Franchisee has executed a general release, in a form
prescribed by Franchisor, of any and all claims against Franchisor and its
affiliates, and their respective officers, directors, agents and employees.
C. f Franchisee desires to renew this franchise at the expiration of
this Agreement or any renewal period, Franchisee shall give Franchisor written
notice of its desire to renew at least twelve (12) months, but not more than
eighteen (18) months, prior to the expiration of the initial term of this
Agreement. Within sixty (6O) days after its receipt of such timely notice,
Franchisor shall furnish Franchisee with written notice of: (i) reasons which
could cause Franchisor not to grant a renewal to Franchisee, including any
deficiencies which require correction and a schedule for correction thereof by
Franchisee; and (ii) Franchisor's then-current requirements relating to the
image, appearance, decoration, furnishing, equipping and stocking of
EASYRIDERS businesses, and a schedule for effecting such upgrading or
modifications in order to bring the Franchised Business in compliance
therewith, as a condition of renewal. Renewal of the franchise shall be
conditioned upon Franchisee's compliance with such requirements and continued
compliance with all the terms and conditions of this Agreement up to the date
of termination of the initial term, provided, however, that in the event
Franchisee is curing any deficiencies as required by Franchisor, the term of
this Agreement shall be extended for a period of time equal to the number of
days required to cure such deficiency.
D. Franchisor shall give Franchisee written notice of its election to
renew or not renew the franchise six (6) months prior to the expiration of the
initial term of this Agreement.
III. BUSINESS LOCATION
A. Franchisee may operate the Franchised Business only at the
location specified in Paragraph I hereof. If the lease for the site of the
Franchised Business expires or terminates without fault of Franchisee, or if
the site is destroyed, condemned or otherwise rendered unusable, as otherwise
may be agreed upon in writing by Franchisor and Franchisee, Franchisor will
grant permission for relocation of the Franchised Business at a location and
site acceptable to Franchisor. Any such relocation shall be at Franchisee's
sole expense and Franchisor shall have the right to charge Franchisee for any
costs incurred by Franchisor, and a reasonable fee for its services, in
connection with any such relocation of the Franchised Business.
B. Franchisee will be responsible for purchasing or leasing a
suitable site for the Franchised Business. Prior to the acquisition by lease
or purchase of any site for the Franchised Premises, Franchisee shall submit a
description of the proposed site to Franchisor, together with a letter of
intent or other evidence satisfactory to Franchisor which confirms
Franchisee's favorable prospects for obtaining the proposed site. Franchisor
shall provide Franchisee written notice of approval or disapproval of the
proposed site within thirty (30) days after receiving Franchisee's written
proposal.
C. After receiving Franchisor's written approval of the location of
the Franchised Business as provided in Paragraph III.B. hereof, Franchisee
shall execute a lease (if the premises are to be leased) or a binding
agreement to purchase the site, the terms of which have been previously
approved by Franchisor. Franchisor's approval of the lease shall be
conditioned upon inclusion in the lease of terms acceptable to Franchisor and,
at Franchisor's option, the lease shall contain such provisions as Franchisor
may reasonably require, including, but not limited to:
1. A provision reserving to Franchisor the right, at
Franchisor's election, to receive an assignment of the leasehold interest upon
termination or expiration of the franchise grant;
2. A provision which expressly permits the lessor of the
premises to provide Franchisor all sales and other information it may have
related to the operation of the Franchised Business, as Franchisor may
request;
3. A provision which requires the lessor concurrently to
provide Franchisor with a copy of any written notice of deficiency under the
lease sent to Franchisee and which grants to Franchisor, in its sole
discretion and sole option, the right (but not the obligation) to cure any
deficiency under the lease should Franchisee fail to do so within fifteen (15)
days after the expiration of the period in which Franchisee may cure the
default;
4. A provision which evidences the right of Franchisee to
display the Marks in accordance with the specifications required by the
Confidential Operations Manual, subject only to the provisions of applicable
law;
5. A provision that the premises shall be used only for the
operation of the Franchised Business;
6. A provision which expressly states that any default under
the lease shall constitute a default under this Agreement; and
7. A provision which states that upon default of this Agreement
and in accordance with this Agreement, Franchisor may, in its sole discretion,
take possession of the Franchised Premises and operate the Franchised
Business.
D. If the location is not designated above, Franchisor shall use
reasonable efforts to help analyze Franchisee's market area, to help determine
site feasibility, and to assist in the designation of the location, which must
be approved by Franchisor; provided however, that Franchisor will not conduct
site selection activities on Franchisee's behalf. While Franchisor shall
utilize its experience and expertise in a designation of location, nothing
contained herein shall be interpreted as a guarantee of success for said
location nor shall any site recommendation or approval made by Franchisor be
deemed a representation that any particular site is available for use as a
EASYRIDERS business. It shall be the sole responsibility of Franchisee to
undertake site selection activities and otherwise secure premises for
Franchisee's Franchised Business.
E. In the event no acceptable site is found and approved by the
parties within ninety (90) days from the date of this Agreement, then and in
that event, upon written application from either party, this contract shall be
terminated and deposits received by Franchisor shall be resumed to Franchisee.
Provided, however, that in the event Franchisor has within the aforesaid time
submitted in writing to Franchisee two (2) or more sites which are acceptable
to Franchisor, and Franchisee has refused to accept same, then Franchisee,
upon termination, shall forfeit to Franchisor the sum of TWO THOUSAND FIVE
HUNDRED Dollars ($2,500.00) as liquidated damages in payment for Franchisor's
expenses in its site evaluation and selection activities. Franchisee and
Franchisor agree that the amount set forth to wit, TWO THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED
Dollars ($2,500.00) as liquidated damages is a reasonable amount and that due
to the nature of the subject matter, it will be impossible to ascertain the
exact amount of damages sustained by the recipient therefore.
F. Franchisor shall require Franchisee to provide all of the
following to Franchisor, promptly upon obtaining possession of the site for
the Franchised Business: (i) cause to be prepared and submit for approval by
Franchisor a site survey and any modifications to Franchisor's basic
architectural requirements and specifications (not for construction) for a
EASYRIDERS business (including requirements for dimensions, exterior design,
materials, and work area design and layout, equipment, fixtures, furniture,
signs and decorating) required for the development of a EASYRIDERS business at
the site leased or purchased therefor, provided that Franchisee may modify
Franchisor's basic plans and specifications only to the extent required to
comply with all applicable ordinances, building codes and permit requirements
and with prior notification to and approval by Franchisor; (ii) obtain all
required zoning changes; all required building, utility, health, sanitation,
and sign permits and licenses and any other required permits and licenses;
(iii) purchase or lease equipment, fixtures, furniture and signs as provided
herein; (iv) complete the construction and/or remodeling, equipment, fixture,
furniture and sign installation and decorating of the Franchised Business in
full and strict compliance with plans and specifications therefor approved by
Franchisor and all applicable ordinances, building codes and permit
requirements; (v) obtain all customary contractors' sworn statements and
partial and final waivers of lien for construction, remodeling, decorating and
installation services; and (vi) otherwise complete development of and have the
Franchised Business ready to open and commence the conduct of its business in
accordance with Paragraph XII. hereof.
G. Franchisee shall be required to periodically make reasonable
capital expenditures to remodel, modernize and redecorate the Franchised
Premises so that the Franchised Business will reflect the then-image intended
to be portrayed by EASYRIDERS business. All remodeling, modernization, or
redecoration of the Franchised Business and its premises must be done in
accordance with the standards and specifications as prescribed by Franchisor
from time to time and with the prior written approval of Franchisor. All
replacements must conform to Franchisor's then-current quality standards and
specifications and must be approved by Franchisor in writing. Franchisee shall
not be required to remodel, modernize and redecorate the Franchised Business
and its premises more than once during the initial term of this Agreement
requiring expenditures in excess of TWELVE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED Dollars
($12,500.00); however, maintenance of the Franchised Premises may exceed this
amount, and maintenance costs may not be credited to remodeling,
modernization, or redecoration expenditures. If the lease for the Franchised
Premises requires expenditures for remodeling, modernization and redecoration,
such an amount shall be credited to amounts required by Franchisor.
IV. TRAINING AND ASSISTANCE
Franchisor shall make training available to Franchisee or its designated
manager and Franchisee or its designated manager must successfully complete
the following training programs.
A. Prior to opening for business, Franchisor will provide to
Franchisee and Franchisee's designated manager a training and familiarization
course of approximately one (1) to two (2) weeks in duration to be conducted
at an operating EASYRIDERS retail store or at such other place as Franchisor
shall designate. Said training program shall cover various aspects of the
operation of a EASYRIDERS franchise.
B. Franchisor will provide a second phase of training to Franchisee
and Franchisee's designated manager at Franchisor designated business
location. This hands on training program will be provided prior to
Franchisee's commencement of operations.
C. Around the commencement of operations of the Franchised Business,
additional assistance in opening the Franchised Business will be made
available to Franchisee through a third party at cost and at Franchisee's
expense. Franchisor, in its discretion, may require such third party
assistance if Franchisor feels it is necessary and appropriate, based on
Franchisee's performance in training.
D. If Franchisor determines, in its sole discretion, that Franchisee
is unable to satisfactorily complete the training programs, Franchisor shall
have the right to terminate this Agreement in the manner herein provided. If
this Agreement is terminated pursuant to this Paragraph, Franchisor shall
return to Franchisee the franchise fee paid by Franchisee less an amount, not
to exceed ONE THOUSAND Dollars ($1,000.00) to compensate Franchisor for work
performed and expenses incurred in connection with said training. Upon return
of said amount, Franchisor shall be fully and forever released from any claims
or causes of action Franchisee may have under or pursuant to this Agreement
and Franchisee shall have no further right, title or interest in the Marks and
the System and any such rights shall automatically revert to Franchisor.
E. If Franchisee designates new or additional managers after the
initial training program, Franchisor shall provide training to such managers
to the extent that Franchisor can reasonably accommodate such managers in
Franchisor's regularly scheduled training courses. Franchisor shall provide
such training to up to two managers a year for no tuition, additional managers
will be trained at the then-current published rates. Franchisee shall be
responsible for any travel, accommodation or salary expense associated with
training. In no event will Franchisor be under any obligation to provide
individual training to Franchisee's managers.
F. Franchisor from time to time may provide and may require that
previously-trained and experienced franchisees or their managers or employees
attend and successfully complete refresher training programs or seminars to be
conducted within Franchisor's Metropolitan Statistical Area ("MSA") as that
term is defined by the United States Census Bureau, at such location as may be
designated by Franchisor. Attendance at such refresher training programs or
seminars shall be at Franchisee's sole expense; provided, however, that
attendance will not be required at more than one (1) such program in any
calendar year and shall not exceed five (5) business days in duration.
G. All expenses incurred by Franchisee and its employees in attending
training programs, including, without limitation, travel costs, room and board
expenses, and employees salaries shall be the sole responsibility of
Franchisee.
V. PROPRIETARY MARKS
A. Franchisee acknowledges that Franchisor's affiliate is the owner
of all right, title and interest together with all the goodwill of the Marks
and that Franchisee's right to use the Marks is derived solely from this
Agreement and is limited to the conduct of business by Franchisee pursuant to
and in compliance with this Agreement and all applicable standards,
specifications, and operating procedures prescribed by Franchisor from time to
time during the term of the franchise. Any unauthorized use of the Marks by
Franchisee is a breach of this Agreement and an infringement of the rights of
Franchisor and its affiliate in and to the Marks. Franchisee acknowledges that
all usage of the Marks by Franchisee and any goodwill established by
Franchisee's use of the Marks shall inure to the exclusive benefit of
Franchisor and its affiliate and that this Agreement does not confer any
goodwill or other interests in the Marks upon Franchisee and its affiliate.
Franchisee shall not, at any time during the term of this Agreement or after
its termination or expiration, contest the validity or ownership of any of the
Marks or assist any other person in contesting the validity or ownership of
any of the Marks. All provisions of this Agreement applicable to the Marks
apply to any additional trademarks, service marks, and commercial symbols
authorized for use by and licensed to Franchisee by Franchisor after the date
of this Agreement.
B. Franchisee shall not use any ▇▇▇▇ or portion of any of the Marks
as part of any corporate or trade name, or with any prefix, suffix, or other
modifying words, terms, designs, or symbols, or in any modified form.
Franchisee shall not use any Marks in connection with the sale of any
unauthorized product or service or in any other manner not expressly
authorized in writing by Franchisor. Franchisee shall properly attribute
ownership of the Marks to Franchisor's affiliate and shall give such notices
of trademark and service ▇▇▇▇ registrations as Franchisor specifies and obtain
such fictitious or assumed name registrations as may be required under
applicable law.
C. Franchisee shall promptly notify Franchisor of any potential or
actual claim, demand, or cause of action known by Franchisee or which
Franchisee reasonably suspects or believes may exist, based upon or arising
from any attempt by any other person, firm or corporation to use the Marks or
any colorable imitation thereof. Franchisee shall also notify Franchisor of
any action, claim or demand against Franchisee relating to the Marks within
ten (10) days after Franchisee receives notice of said action, claim or
demand. Upon receipt of timely notice of an action, claim or demand against
Franchisee relating to the Marks, Franchisor and/or its affiliate shall have
the sole right to determine all matters and issues relating to the defense of
said action. Franchisor and/or its affiliate shall have the exclusive right to
challenge, oppose, contest or bring legal action against any third party
regarding the third party's use of any of the Marks and shall exercise such
right in its sole discretion. In any defense or prosecution of any litigation
relating to the Marks or components of the System undertaken by Franchisor
and/or its affiliate, Franchisee shall cooperate with Franchisor and/or its
affiliate and execute any and all documents and take all actions as may be
desirable or necessary in the opinion of Franchisor's and/or its affiliate's
counsel, to protect the Marks and to defend or prosecute any litigation
relating to the Marks or components of the System. Both parties will make
every effort consistent with the foregoing to protect, maintain, and promote
the Marks as identifying the System and only the System. FRANCHISOR MAKES NO
REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO THE USE, EXCLUSIVE
OWNERSHIP, VALIDITY OR ENFORCEABILITY OF THE MARKS.
D. If it becomes advisable at any time in Franchisor's sole
discretion, for Franchisor and/or Franchisee to modify or discontinue use of
any of the Marks, and/or use one (1) or more additional or substitute trade
names, trademarks, service marks, or other commercial symbols, Franchisee
shall comply with Franchisor's directions within a reasonable time after
notice to Franchisee by Franchisor, and Franchisor shall have no liability or
obligation whatsoever with respect to Franchisee's modification or
discontinuance of any ▇▇▇▇.
E. In order to preserve the validity and integrity of the Marks and
copyrighted materials franchised herein and to assure that Franchisee is
properly employing the same in the operation of its Franchised Business,
Franchisor or its agents shall have the right to enter and inspect
Franchisee's premises (with or without prior notice) during normal business
hours and, additionally, shall have the right to observe the manner in which
Franchisee is conducting its operations, to confer with Franchisee's employees
and customers, and to select and inspect Franchisee's merchandise to make
certain that such merchandise is satisfactory and meets the quality control
provisions and performance standards established by Franchisor.
VI. CONFIDENTIAL OPERATIONS MANUAL
A. Franchisor will loan to Franchisee during the term of the
franchise one (1) or more copies of a Confidential Operations Manual
containing reasonable, mandatory and suggested specifications, standards,
operating procedures and rules prescribed from time to time by Franchisor for
EASYRIDERS businesses and information relative to other obligations of
Franchisee hereunder and the operation of its Franchised Business. Franchisor
shall have the right to add to and otherwise modify the Confidential
Operations Manual from time to time to reflect changes in the specifications,
standards, operating procedures and rules by Franchisor for EASYRIDERS
businesses, provided that no such addition or modification shall alter
Franchisee's fundamental status and rights under this Agreement.
B. The Confidential Operations Manual shall at all times remain the
sole property of Franchisor and shall promptly be returned upon the expiration
or other termination of this Agreement. Franchisee shall not to make any
disclosure, duplication or other unauthorized use of any portion of the
Confidential Operations Manual.
C. The Confidential Operations Manual contains proprietary
information of Franchisor and shall be kept confidential by Franchisee both
during the term of the franchise and subsequent to the expiration or
termination of the franchise. Franchisee shall at all times insure that its
copy of the Confidential Operations Manual is available at the Franchised
Business premises in a current and up-to-date manner. At all times that the
Confidential Operations Manual is not in use by authorized personnel,
Franchisee shall maintain the Confidential Operations Manual in a locked
receptacle at the Franchised Premises, and shall only grant authorized
personnel, as defined in the Confidential Operations Manual, access to the key
or lock combination of such receptacle. In the event of any dispute as to the
contents of the Confidential Operations Manual, the terms of the master copy
of the Confidential Operations Manual maintained by Franchisor at Franchisor's
home office shall be controlling.
VII. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
A. Franchisee acknowledges that its entire knowledge of the operation
of a EASYRIDERS business including the knowledge or know-how regarding the
specifications, standards and operating procedures of a EASYRIDERS business,
is derived from information disclosed to Franchisee by Franchisor which
information is proprietary, confidential and a trade secret of Franchisor. All
information, standards and specifications with respect to the sale of
motorcycle paraphernalia and/or which identifies or assists in the
identification of actual or potential customers of the Franchised Business are
the trade secrets and the proprietary information of Franchisor. Franchisee
shall maintain the absolute confidentiality of all such information during and
after the term of the franchise and shall not use any such information in any
other business or in any manner not specifically authorized or approved in
writing by Franchisor.
B. Franchisee shall divulge trade secret information only to such of
its employees and only to the extent that such access is necessary for them to
operate the Franchised Business. Any and all information, knowledge and
know-how, including, without limitation, designs, drawings, materials,
equipment, retail business systems and methods, merchandising techniques and
procedures and other data, which Franchisor designates as confidential or
proprietary or a trade secret shall be deemed to be a trade secret for
purposes of this Agreement, excepting only such information as Franchisee can
demonstrate lawfully came to its attention prior to disclosure thereof by
Franchisor; or which, at the time of disclosure by Franchisor to Franchisee,
had lawfully become a part of the public domain, through publication or
communication by others; or which, after disclosure to Franchisee by
Franchisor, lawfully becomes a part of the public domain, through publication
or communication by others.
C. Due to the special and unique nature of the confidential
information, Marks, and Confidential Operations Manual of Franchisor,
Franchisee acknowledges that Franchisor shall be entitled to immediate
equitable remedies, including but not limited to, restraining orders and
injunctive relief in order to safeguard such trade secrets, and proprietary,
confidential, unique, and special information of Franchisor and that money
damages alone would be an insufficient remedy with which to compensate
Franchisor for any breach of the terms of Paragraphs V., VI., and VII. of this
Agreement. Furthermore, all employees of Franchisee having access to the
confidential and proprietary information of Franchisor shall be required to
execute confidential information agreements in a form acceptable to
Franchisor.
VIII. MODIFICATION OF THE SYSTEM
Franchisee recognizes that from time to time hereafter Franchisor may
change or modify the System presently identified by the Marks including,
without limitation, the adoption and use of new or modified trade names,
trademarks, service marks or copyrighted materials, new computer programs and
systems, new types or brands of merchandise and products, new inventory
requirements, new equipment or new techniques and that Franchisee will accept,
use and display for the purpose of this Agreement any such changes in the
System, as if they were part of this Agreement at the time of execution
hereof. Franchisee will make such expenditures as such changes or
modifications in the System may reasonably require. Franchisee shall not
change, modify or alter in any way the System.
IX. ADVERTISING
Recognizing the value of advertising and the importance of the
standardization of advertising and promotion to the furtherance of the
goodwill and the public image of EASYRIDERS businesses, Franchisee agrees as
follows:
A. Franchisee will submit to Franchisor or its designated agency, for
its prior approval, all promotional materials and advertising to be used by
Franchisee, including, but not limited to, newspapers, radio and television
advertising, specialty and novelty items, signs, containers, and Yellow Page
advertising. In the event written disapproval of said advertising and
promotional material is not given by Franchisor to Franchisee within thirty
(30) days from the date such material is received by Franchisor, said
materials shall be deemed approved. Failure by Franchisee to conform with the
provisions herein and subsequent nonaction by Franchisor to require Franchisee
to cure or remedy this failure and default shall not be deemed a waiver of
future or additional failures and defaults of any other provision of this
Agreement. The submission of advertising to Franchisor for approval shall not
affect Franchisee's right to determine the prices at which Franchisee sells
its products or services.
B. Within the initial six (6) months of operation of the Franchised
Business, Franchisee shall expend a minimum of TWO THOUSAND Dollars
($2,000.00) as designated by Franchisor for catalog, newspaper, direct mail,
advertising or promotional items as grand opening advertising and promotion to
generate initial consumer awareness and patronage ("Grand Opening
Advertising"); provided, however, Franchisor may collect and spend a portion
of the sums designated for Grand Opening Advertising for promotions which
feature the EASYRIDERS land speed record setting motorcycle commonly known as
the "Streamliner". Franchisor shall prepare an accounting of expenditures by
Franchisor which shall be made available to Franchisee and shall refund to
Franchisee any monies which are not spent in accordance with the
above-mentioned Grand Opening Advertising procedures. Full-line Dealers who
convert to the System shall not be required to make expenditures for or
conduct any Grand Opening Advertising.
C. Franchisee shall contribute to the EASYRIDERS Advertising and
Development Fund ("Fund") an amount equal to two percent (2%) of Franchisee's
Gross Sales, as defined in Paragraph X. Franchisee's required payments to the
Fund shall be made at the same time and in the same manner as, and in addition
to, the Continuing Services and Royalty Fee provided in Paragraph X herein.
Such payment shall be made in addition to and exclusive of any sums that
Franchisee may be required to spend on local advertising and promotion.
Full-line Dealers who convert to the System shall not be required to
contribute to the Fund until the earlier of the expiration of such licensee's
current License Agreement or two (2) years from the date of execution of this
Agreement ("Waiver Period"). The fund shall be maintained and administered by
Franchisor or its designee, as follows:
1. Franchisor shall supervise all advertising programs with
sole discretion over the creative concepts, materials and media used in such
programs and the placement and allocation thereof. Advertising programs may be
primarily concentrated in Franchisor's affiliates' publications and catalog
promotion. Franchisor or its designee shall make expenditures for advertising
or promotion in Franchisee's Area of Dominant Influence. However, Franchisor
cannot and does not ensure any particular franchisee benefits directly pro
rata from the placement of advertising.
2. The funds may also be used to meet any and all costs of
maintaining, administering, directing and preparing advertising (including,
without limitation, the cost of conducting public relations activities,
conducting advertising; and producing promotional brochures, and other
marketing materials to franchisees in the System). All sums paid by Franchisee
to the Fund shall be maintained in a separate account from the other funds of
Franchisor and shall not be used to defray any of Franchisor's general
operating expenses, except for such reasonable administrative costs and
overhead, if any, as Franchisor may incur in activities reasonably related to
the administration or direction of the Fund and advertising programs
including, without limitation, conducting market research, preparing marketing
and advertising materials, and collecting and accounting for assessments for
the Fund.
3. It is anticipated that all contributions to the Fund shall
be expended for advertising and promotional purposes during Franchisor's
fiscal year within which contributions are made. If, however, excess amounts
remain in the Fund at the end of such fiscal year, all expenditures in the
following fiscal year(s) shall be made first out of any current interest or
other earnings of the Fund, next out of any accumulated earnings, and finally
from principal.
4. Although Franchisor intends the Fund to be of perpetual
duration, Franchisor maintains the right to terminate the Fund. The Fund shall
not be terminated, however, until all monies in the Fund have been expended
for advertising and promotional purposes.
5. An accounting of the operation of the Fund shall be prepared
annually and shall be made available to Franchisee upon request. Franchisor
reserves the right, at its option, to require that such annual accounting
include an audit of the operation of the Fund prepared by an independent
certified public accountant selected by Franchisor and prepared at the expense
of the Fund.
D. Franchisee shall spend a minimum of one percent (1%) of
Franchisee's Gross Sales per month on local advertising in the manner directed
by Franchisor in its sole discretion. Franchisee shall submit to Franchisor an
accounting of Franchisee's expenditures on local advertising required pursuant
to this Paragraph IX. D. in the form and manner specified in the Confidential
Operations Manual. Full-line Dealers who convert to the System shall not be
required to make such local advertising expenditures during the Waiver Period.
E. From time to time, Franchisor may designate a local or regional
advertising coverage area in which Franchisee's business and at least one (1)
other EASYRIDERS business is located for purposes of developing a cooperative
local or regional advertising or promotional program. If directed by
Franchisor, Franchisee agrees to participate in and contribute to such
cooperative advertising and promotional programs in Franchisee's Advertising
Coverage Areas in addition to such contributions and expenditures as required
pursuant to Paragraphs IX.B. and IX.C. The cost of the program shall be
allocated among locations in such area and each franchisee's share shall be in
proportion to its sales during the preceding twelve (12) month period, or
portion of said period. Said contributions to cooperative advertising
promotional programs will be credited toward the local advertising and
promotional expenditure required in Paragraph IX.D. above. At the time a
program is submitted, Franchisor shall submit a list to Franchisee of all
operating businesses within the advertising coverage area. Full-line Dealers
who convert to the System shall not be required to participate in such
cooperative advertising programs during the Waiver Period.
F. Franchisee shall maintain a business phone and advertise
continuously in the classified or Yellow Pages of the local telephone
directory under the listings "Motorcycles", "Motorcycles - Supplies, Parts
and Accessories", or such other listings as deemed appropriate by Franchisor
using mats of the type and size approved in advance by Franchisor. When more
than one (1) EASYRIDERS business serves a metropolitan area, classified
advertisements shall 1ist all EASYRIDERS businesses operating within the
distribution area of such classified directories, and Franchisee shall
contribute its equal share of the cost of such advertisement. The expenditures
for such advertising shall not be credited toward other advertising
requirements pursuant to this Agreement. Full-line Dealers who convert to the
System shall not be required to advertise in the Yellow Pages directory during
the Waiver Period.
G. Franchisor may, from time to time, develop and market special
catalogs, brochures and other promotional items which will be made available
to Franchisee at Franchisor's cost plus a reasonable ▇▇▇▇ up and Franchisee
shall maintain a representative inventory of such promotional items to meet
public demand. Franchisee shall have the right to purchase alternative
promotional items provided that such alternative goods conform to the
specifications and quality standards established by Franchisor from time to
time.
H. Franchisee shall not advertise or use in advertising or any other
form of promotion, the copyrighted materials, trademarks, service marks, logos
or commercial symbols designated by Franchisor without an appropriate c
[copyright symbol appears here] or R [registration ▇▇▇▇ symbol appears here]
registration marks or the designation TM or SM where applicable.
X. CONTINUING SERVICES AND ROYALTY FEE
A. Franchisee shall pay without offset, credit or deduction of any
nature, to Franchisor, so long as this Agreement shall be in effect, a weekly
Continuing Services and Royalty Fee equal to three percent (3%) of the Gross
Sales derived from the Franchised Business. Said Continuing Services and
Royalty Fee shall be paid weekly in the manner specified below or as otherwise
prescribed in the Confidential Operations Manual. For current full-line dealer
licensees of Franchisor or its affiliate who convert to the franchised System
within thirty (30) days of the applicable effective date, the Continuing
Services and Royalty fees are waived until the earlier of the expiration of
such licensee's current license agreement or two (2) years from the date of
execution of this Agreement.
1. On or before each Wednesday, Franchisee will submit to
Franchisor on a form approved by Franchisor, a correct statement, signed by
Franshisee, of Franchisee's Gross Sales for the preceding week ending
Saturday. Franchisee will make available to Franchisor for reasonable
inspection during normal business hours and with or without prior notice by
Franchisor, all original books and records that Franchisee may deem necessary
to ascertain Franchisee's Gross Sales
2. The term "Gross Sales", as used herein and throughout this
Agreement, shall mean and include the total of all sales of all Trademarked
Product Lines, merchandise, products or services to customers of Franchisee,
(including interim deposits) whether or not sold or performed at or from the
EASYRIDERS Franchised Business, and whether received in cash, in services in
kind, from barter and/or exchange, on credit (whether or not payment is
received therefor) or otherwise. There will be deducted from Gross Sales for
purposes of said computation (but only to the extent they have been included)
the amount of all sales tax receipts or similar tax receipts which, by law,
are chargeable to customers, if such taxes are separately stated when the
customer is charged and if such taxes are paid to the appropriate taxing
authority. There will be further deducted from Gross Sales the amount of any
documented refunds, chargebacks, credits and allowances given in good faith to
customers by Franchisee. All barter and/or exchange transactions pursuant to
which Franchisee furnishes services and/or products in exchange for goods or
services to be provided to Franchisee by a vendor, supplier or customer will,
for the purpose of determining Gross Sales, be valued at the full retail value
of the goods and/or services to provided to Franchisee.
B. All Continuing Services and Royalty Fees, advertising
contributions, amounts due for purchases by Franchisee from Franchisor or its
affiliates shall bear interest after due date at the highest applicable legal
rate for open account business credit. Franchisee acknowledges that this
Paragraph shall not constitute agreement by Franchisor or its affiliates to
accept such payments after same are due or a commitment by Franchisor to
extend credit to, or otherwise finance Franchisee's operation of, the
Franchised Business. Further, Franchisee acknowledges that its failure to pay
all amounts when due shall constitute grounds for termination of this
Agreement, as provided in Paragraph XVI. hereof, notwithstanding the
provisions of this Paragraph.
C. Notwithstanding any designation by Franchisee, Franchisor shall
have the sole discretion to apply any payments by Franchisee to any past due
indebtedness of Franchisee for Continuing Services and Royalty Fees,
advertising contributions, purchases from Franchisor or its affiliate,
interest or any other indebtedness.
XI. ACCOUNTING AND RECORDS
A. Franchisee shall establish and maintain a bookkeeping, accounting
and record keeping system conforming to the requirements prescribed by
Franchisor, including without limitation the use and retention of sales
tickets, purchase orders, invoices, payroll records, check stubs, sales tax
records and returns, cash receipts and disbursements, journals and general
ledgers. Franchisee shall preserve for a period of not less than three (3)
years, during the term of this Agreement and for not less than three (3) years
following the term of this Agreement, all accounting records and supporting
documentation relating to the Franchised Business.
B. Franchisee will supply to Franchisor on or before the fifteenth
(15th) day after the term of each calendar quarter, in the form approved by
Franchisor, a profit and loss statement and balance sheet for the last
preceding calendar quarter. Additionally, Franchisee shall, at its expense,
submit to Franchisor within ninety (90) days of the end of each fiscal year
during the term of this Agreement, a profit and loss statement for such fiscal
year and a balance sheet for the last date of such year. Such annual
statements shall be prepared and reviewed by an independent certified public
accountant, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
applied on a consistent basis. Franchisor reserves the right to require
Franchisee to submit audited financial statements.
C. Franchisee shall submit to Franchisor such other periodic reports,
forms and records as specified, and in the manner and at the time as specified
in the Confidential Operations Manual or otherwise in writing.
D. Franchisor or its designated agents shall have the right, during
normal business hours and with or without prior notice, to examine and copy,
at its expense, the books, records, and tax returns of Franchisee. Franchisor
shall also have the right at any time, to have an independent audit made of
the books of Franchisee. If an inspection should reveal that any payments to
Franchisor have been understated in any report to Franchisor, then Franchisee
shall immediately pay to Franchisor the amount understated upon demand, in
addition to interest from the date such amount was due until paid, at the
maximum rate permitted by law. If an inspection discloses an understatement in
any report of two percent (2%) or more, Franchisee shall, in addition,
reimburse Franchisor for any and all costs and expenses connected with the
inspection (including, without limitation, reasonable accounting and
attorneys' fees). The foregoing remedies shall be in addition to any other
remedies Franchisor may have.
E. Franchisee acknowledges that nothing contained herein constitutes
Franchisor's agreement to accept any payments after same are due or a
commitment by Franchisor to extend credit to or otherwise finance Franchisee's
operation of the Franchised Business. Further, Franchisee acknowledges that
its failure to pay all amounts when due shall constitute grounds for
termination of this Agreement, as herein provided.
XII. STANDARDS OF QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE
A. Franchisee shall comply with all requirements set forth in this
Agreement, the Confidential Operations Manual and other written policies
supplied to Franchisee by Franchisor. Mandatory specifications, standards,
operating procedures and rules prescribed from time to time by Franchisor in
the Confidential Operations Manual or otherwise communicated to Franchisee in
writing, shall constitute provisions of this Agreement as if fully set forth
herein and shall be reasonably and uniformly applied to all franchisees. All
references herein to this Agreement shall include all such mandatory
specifications, standards and operating procedures and rules. Franchisee shall
comply with the entire System including, but not limited to, the requirements
of this Paragraph XII.
B. Franchisee shall commence operation of the Franchised Business not
later than six (6) months after the execution of this Agreement or as
otherwise required in Franchisee's lease and approved by Franchisor. Prior to
such opening, Franchisee shall have compiled with all Franchisor's pre-opening
standards and specifications. If Franchisee for any reason fails to commence
operation as herein provided, such failure shall be considered a default and
Franchisor may terminate this Agreement as herein provided.
C. Franchisee shall maintain the condition and appearance of the
Franchised Premises consistent with Franchisor's standards. Franchisee shall
maintain the Franchised Premises as is from time to time required to maintain
or improve the appearance and efficient operation of the Franchised Business,
including, but not limited to, replacement of worn out or obsolete fixtures
and signs, and repair of the exterior and interior of the Franchised Business.
If at any time in Franchisor's judgment the general state of repair or the
appearance of the Franchised Premises or its equipment, fixtures, signs or
decor does not meet Franchisor's standards therefor, Franchisor shall so
notify Franchisee, specifying the action to be taken by Franchisee to correct
such deficiency. If Franchisee fails or refuses to initiate within thirty (30)
days after receipt of such notice, and thereafter continue, a bona fide
program to complete any required maintenance, Franchisor shall have the right,
in addition to all other remedies, to enter upon the Franchised Premises and
effect such maintenance on behalf of Franchisee and Franchisee shall pay the
entire costs thereof on demand.
D. Franchisee shall make no material alterations to the Franchised
Premises nor shall Franchisee make material replacements of or alterations to
the equipment, fixtures or signs of the Franchised Business without the prior
written approval by Franchisor.
E. Franchisee shall offer for sale and sell at the Franchised
Business various types of motorcycle paraphernalia such as shirts, jackets,
belts, posters, and related items and parts and related hard goods, and will
not offer for sale or sell or provide at the Franchised Business or the
premises which it occupies any other category of merchandise or products or
use such premises for any purpose other than the operation of a Franchised
Business in full compliance with this Agreement.
F. From time to time, Franchisor shall provide to Franchisee a list
of approved manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors authorized for the
Franchised Business ("Approved Suppliers List") and a 1ist of approved
inventory products, fixtures, furniture, equipment, signs, stationery,
supplies, and other items or services necessary to operate the Franchised
Business ("Approved Supplies List"). Franchisor may revise the Approved
Supplies List and Approved Suppliers List from time to time in its sole
discretion. If Franchisee proposes to offer for sale or use at the Franchised
Business any brand of product, or other material or supply which is not on the
Approved Supplies List or to purchase any product from a supplier that is not
on the Approved Suppliers List, Franchisee shall first notify Franchisor and
shall upon request by Franchisor submit samples and such other information as
Franchisor requires for examination and/or testing or to otherwise determine
whether such product, material or supply, or such proposed supplier meets its
specifications and quality standards. A charge not to exceed the reasonable
cost of the inspection and evaluation and the actual cost of the test may be
imposed by Franchisor and shall be paid by Franchisee or the supplier.
Franchisor reserves the right to re-inspect the businesses and products of any
supplier of an approved item and to revoke its approval of any item or
supplier which fails to continue to meet any of Franchisor's criteria.
G. All inventory, products and materials, and other items and
supplies used in the operation of the Franchised Business which are not
specifically required to be purchased in accordance with Franchisor's Approved
Supplies List and Approved Suppliers List shall conform to the specifications
and quality standards established by Franchisor from time to time.
H. Franchisor's affiliate has developed a proprietary line of
motorcycle-related goods bearing the Marks. Franchisee acknowledges that
Franchisee shall carry an adequate supply and maintain a representative
inventory of such Trademarked Product Lines as required by the Confidential
Operations Manual. Franchisee shall maintain, carry and promote such
Trademarked Product Lines for use in servicing the general public in order to
meet customer demand as designated by Franchisor. Franchisee shall, throughout
the term of this Agreement, purchase Trademarked Product Lines from
Franchisor, Franchisor's affiliate or other designated sources which
manufacture the Trademarked Product Lines to Franchisor's precise
specifications and carry an adequate inventory of the Trademarked Product
Lines.
I. Franchisor may, in the future, develop and custom design a
software package for conducting accounting, inventory control, point-of-sale
functions and related activities ("Proprietary Software Package"). If
developed, the software shall be proprietary to Franchisor and confidential
information of Franchisor. Franchisor may not be able to practically alter the
Proprietary Software Package to accommodate each and every franchisee of the
System; therefore, Franchisee shall utilize the Proprietary Software Package
in the operation of the Franchised Business and comply with all specifications
and standards prescribed by Franchisor regarding the Proprietary Software
Package, as will be provided from time to time in the Confidential Operations
Manual. This unique software will be in an ongoing development and testing
stage and upgrades may be implemented into the System at Franchisor's
discretion. If developed, Franchisor or its designee shall provide ongoing
service and support to Franchisee regarding the Proprietary Software Package,
and Franchisor shall lease such software to Franchisee at the then-current
rates published by Franchisor.
J. Franchisee shall secure and maintain in force all required
licenses, permits and certificates relating to the operation of the Franchised
Business and shall operate the Franchised Business in full compliance with all
applicable laws, ordinances and regulations, including without limitation,
those relating to occupational hazards and health, consumer protection, trade
regulation, equal employment opportunity, prevention and elimination of
unlawful discrimination and harassment, worker's compensation, unemployment
insurance, withholding and payment of Federal and State income taxes, social
security taxes and sales, use and property taxes. Franchisee shall refrain
from any merchandising, advertising or promotional practice which is
unethical, which infringes upon the trade marks or copyrights of others which
constitutes unfair competition, or which otherwise is or may be injurious to
the business of Franchisor and/or other franchised businesses or to the
goodwill associated with the Marks.
K. Franchises shall in the operation of the Franchised Business use
only displays, labels, forms and other products and documentation imprinted
with the Marks and colors as prescribed from time to time by Franchisor.
L. Prior to commencement of operation of the Franchised Business,
Franchisee shall adequately supply the Franchised Business with a
representative inventory as prescribed by Franchisor of motorcycle
paraphernalia and hard goods and related items of the type, quantity and
quality as specified by Franchisor. Franchisee shall maintain levels of
inventory that will permit operation of the Franchised Business at maximum
capacity.
M. The Franchised Business shall at all times be under the direct,
on-premises supervision of Franchisee or a trained and competent employee
acting as full-time manager. Franchisee shall keep Franchisor informed at all
times of the identity of any employee(s) acting as manager(s) of the
Franchised Business. Franchisee shall, at all limes, faithfully, honestly and
diligently perform its obligations hereunder and shall not engage in any
business or other activities that will conflict with its obligations
hereunder.
N. Franchisee shall not install or maintain the Franchised Premises
any telephone booths, newspaper racks, video games, juke boxes, gum machines,
games, rides, vending machines or other similar devices without the written
approval of Franchisor.
O. Franchisee shall participate actively in a EASYRIDERS Regional
Advisory Franchisee Council ("Council") and participate in all Council
programs approved by Franchisor for Franchisee's particular Council. The
purposes of the Council(s) include, but are not limited to, exchanging ideas
and problem solving methods, advising Franchisor on expenditures for regional
advertising, providing backup support and staffing for political influence,
and coordinating System franchisee efforts. Franchisee shall pay all Council
assessments levied by the Council, and Franchisor has the right to enforce
this obligation. Assessments and expenditures may very from time to time and
due to variations in Council participation and costs as determined by a
particular Council and as approved by Franchisor. Although Franchisee shall
pay such Council assessments, such assessments shall in no way diminish
Franchisee's rights and the benefit of the bargain under this Agreement. Such
Council(s) may be formed by Franchisor at such time that more than one (1)
franchisee conducts a EASYRIDERS Franchised Business in any given region, the
boundaries of such region to be determined in the sole and unfettered
discretion of Franchisor.
P. Franchisee shall notify Franchisor in writing within five (5) days
of the commencement of any action, suit, or proceeding, and of the issuance of
any order, writ, injunction, award, or decree of any court, agency, or other
governmental instrumentality, which may adversely affect the operation or
financial condition of the Franchised Business.
XIII. FRANCHISOR'S OPERATIONS ASSISTANCE
A. Franchisor may from time to time advise or offer guidance to
Franchisee relative to prices for the merchandise and services, if any,
offered for sale by the Franchised Business that in Franchisor's judgment
constitute good business practice. Such guidance will be based on the
experience of Franchisor and is franchisees in operating franchised businesses
and an analysis of the costs of such services, activities, merchandise,
supplies, coordinating accessory items and products and prices charged for
competitive inventory and products. Franchisee shall not be obligated to
accept any such advice or guidance and shall have the sole right to determine
the prices to be charged from time to lime by the Franchised Business and no
such advice or guidance shall be deemed or construed to impose upon Franchisee
any obligation to charge any fixed, minimum or maximum prices for any product
or service offered for sale by the Franchised Business.
B. Upon commencement and during operation of the Franchised Business,
and during the term of this Agreement and any renewal period thereof,
Franchisor shall do the following:
1. Provide to Franchisee a comprehensive list of established
sources of motorcycle-related merchandise and hard goods and related
merchandise, products and services associated with the retail motorcycle
business and other merchandise and products, equipment, fixtures and supplies
necessary for the operation of the Franchised Business and provide
specifications for such products. However, Franchisor makes no representation
or warranty that any particular approved supplier will be willing or able to
sell to all franchisees;
2. Administer the Fund;
3. As Franchisor deems necessary, negotiate supply contracts and
pass on purchasing economics to maximize cost savings;
4. As Franchisor deems necessary, attempt to coordinate
equipment, product and supplies distribution for local, regional and national
suppliers;
5. Regulate quality standards and products in conformance with
the System specifications throughout the network of franchised business;
6. Provide use of a mailing list of "EASYRIDERS" subscribers in
the Designated Area;
7. Provide Franchisee participation in a customer referral 800
number;
8. Conduct product testing;
9. Make available the EASYRIDERS merchandising and display
program;
10. Make available mail order catalogs from which to provide
products not currently in stock; and
11. Offer a centralized buying program for EASYRIDERS products.
C. Franchisor shall advise Franchisee of problems arising out of the
operation of the Franchised Business as disclosed by reports submitted to
Franchisor by Franchisee or by inspections conducted by Franchisor of the
Franchised Business. Franchisor may furnish Franchisee with such assistance in
connection with the operation of the Franchised Business as is reasonably
determined to be necessary by Franchisor from time to time. Operations
assistance may consist of advice and guidance with respect to:
1. Proper utilization of procedures developed for a EASYRIDERS
business with respect to products and related business services as approved by
Franchisor;
2. Additional equipment, merchandise, products and services
authorized for EASYRIDERS businesses;
3. The institution of proper administrative, bookkeeping,
accounting, inventory control, supervisory and general operating procedures
for the effective operation of a EASYRIDERS business;
4. Ongoing research and development of new improvements, new
products and services and other modifications to the System;
5. Advertising, displays and other promotional programs; and
6. Refresher training courses.
D. Franchisor or Franchisor's representative shall make periodic
visits to the Franchised Business for the purposes of consultation,
assistance, and guidance of Franchisee in all aspects of the operation and
management of the Franchised Business. Franchisor, and Franchisor's
representatives, who attend at the Franchised Business will prepare, for the
benefit of both Franchisor and Franchisee, written reports in respect to such
visits outlining any suggested changes or improvements in the operations of
the Franchised Business and detailing any defaults in such operations which
become evident as a result of any such visit, and a copy of each such written
report shall be provided to both Franchisor and Franchisee. Franchisor shall
advise Franchisee of problems arising out of the operation of the Franchised
Business as disclosed by reports submitted to Franchisor by Franchisee or by
inspections conducted by Franchisor of the Franchised Business.
E. All of the specifications, Approved Suppliers Lists, Approved
Supplies Lists, training and operations manuals to be provided by Franchisor
to Franchisee pursuant to this Agreement shall be delivered upon completion of
training.
XIV. INSURANCE
A. Franchisee shall procure at its expense and maintain in full force
and effect during the term of this Agreement, an insurance policy or policies
protecting Franchisee and Franchisor, and their officers, directors, partners
and employees, from claims, demands, defense costs, attorneys fees, expenses,
liability, loss and damage, including personal injury, death, or property
damage or expense of whatsoever kind or nature arising out of or occurring
upon or in connection with the Franchised Business, as Franchisor may
reasonably require for its own and Franchisee's protection. Franchisor shall
be named an additional insured in such policy or policies. Such insurance is
limited to its "conditions, provisions and exclusions" and does not
necessarily include any expense whatsoever arising or occurring upon or in
connection with the Franchised Business.
B. Such policy or policies shall be written by an insurance company
licensed in the state in which Franchisee operates and having at least an "A"
Rating Classification as indicated in Best's Key Rating Guide in accordance
with standards and specifications set forth in the Confidential Operations
Manual or otherwise in writing, and shall include, at a minimum (except as
additional coverages and higher policy limits may reasonably be specified for
all franchisees from time to time by Franchisor in the Confidential Operations
Manual or otherwise in writing) the following:
1. All risks coverage insurance on the EASYRIDERS business and
all fixtures, equipment, supplies and inventory and other property used in the
operation of the EASYRIDERS business (which coverage may include flood and/or
earthquake coverage where applicable, and theft insurance) for full repair and
replacement value of the machinery, equipment, improvements and betterments,
without any applicable co-insurance clause except that an appropriate
deductible clause shall be permitted.
2. Worker's compensation and employer's liability insurance as
well as such other insurance as may be required by statute or rule of the
state in which the Franchised Business is located and operated.
3. Comprehensive general liability insurance and product
liability insurance including a per premises aggregate with the following
coverages: broad form contractual liability, personal injury,
products/completed operation; and fire legal; insuring Franchisor and
Franchisee against all claims, suits, obligations, liabilities and damages,
including attorneys' fees, based upon or arising out of actual or alleged
personal injuries or property damage resulting from, or occurring in the
course of, or on or about or otherwise relating to the Franchised Business
including General Aggregate coverage in the following limits:
Recommended Coverage Minimum Limits of Coverage
-------------------- --------------------------
General Aggregate............................. $1,000,000.00
Products/Completed Operations Aggregate....... $1,000,000.00
Personal and Advertising Injury............... $1,000,000.00
Each Occurrence............................... $1,000,000.00
Fire Damage (any one fire)....................... $50,000.00
Medical Expense (any one person).................. $5,000.00
4. Business interruption insurance for actual losses sustained.
5. Automobile liability insurance, including owned, hired and
non-owned vehicle coverage, with a combined single limit of at least ONE
MILLION DOLLARS ($1,000,000.00)
6. Such additional insurance and types of coverage as may be
required by the terms of any lease for the Franchised Business, or as may be
required from time to time by Franchisor.
7. Franchisees which service motorcycles at the Franchised
Business shall obtain and maintain (i) legal liability insurance with minimum
limits of TEN THOUSAND Dollars ($10,000.00) per vehicle and ONE HUNDRED
THOUSAND Dollars ($100,000.00) per aggregate loss, and (ii) liability
insurance with a minimum coverage limit of ONE MILLION Dollars
($1,000,000.00).
C. The insurance afforded by the policy or policies respecting
liability shall not be limited in any way by reason of any insurance which may
be maintained by Franchisor. Within four (4) months of the signing of this
Agreement, but in no event later than the date on which Franchisee acquires an
interest in the real property on which it will develop and operate the
Franchised Business, a Certificate of Insurance showing compliance with the
foregoing requirements shall be furnished by Franchisee to Franchisor for
approval. Such certificate shall state that said policy or policies will not
be canceled or altered without at least thirty (30) days prior written notice
to Franchisor and shall reflect proof of payment of premiums. Maintenance of
such insurance and the performance by Franchisee of the obligations under this
Paragraph shall not relieve Franchisee of liability under the indemnity
provision set forth in this Agreement. Minimum limits as required above may
be modified from time to time, as conditions require, by written notice to
Franchisee.
D. Should Franchisee, for any reason, not procure and maintain such
insurance coverage as required by this Agreement, Franchisor shall have the
right and authority (without, however, any obligation to do so) immediately to
procure such insurance coverage and to charge to Franchisee the cost of same
together with a reasonable fee for expenses incurred by Franchisor in
connection with such procurement, shall be payable by Franchisee immediately
upon notice.
XV. COVENANTS
A. Unless otherwise specified, the term "Franchisee" as used in this
Paragraph XV. shall include, collectively and individually, all officers,
directors, and holders of a beneficial interest of five percent (5%) or more
of the securities of Franchisee, and of any corporation directly or indirectly
controlling Franchisee, if Franchisee is a corporation; and the general
partners and any limited partner (including any corporation and the officers,
directors, and holders of a beneficial interest of five percent (5%) or more
of securities, of a corporation which controls, directly or indirectly, any
general or limited partner) if Franchisee is a partnership.
B. Franchisee covenants that during the term of this Agreement and
any renewals thereof, except as otherwise approved in writing by Franchisor,
Franchisee (if Franchisee is an individual), a shareholder of a beneficial
interest of ten percent (10%) or more of the securities of Franchisee (if
Franchisee is a corporation), a general partner of Franchisee (if Franchisee
is a partnership), or Franchisee's full-time manager (approved by Franchisor)
shall devote full time, energy, and best efforts, to the management and
operation of the Franchised Business.
C. Franchisee covenants that during the term of this Agreement and
any renewal thereof, unless an exception is specifically approved by
Franchisor in writing, Franchisee shall not, either directly or indirectly,
for himself, for himself, or through, on behalf of, or in conjunction with any
person, persons, partnership, or corporation:
1. Divert or attempt to divert any business or customer of the
Franchised Business to any competitor, by direct or indirect inducement or
otherwise, or do or perform, directly or indirectly, any other act injurious
or prejudicial to the goodwill associated with the Marks and the System.
2. Employ or seek to employ any person who is at that time
employed by Franchisor or by any other Franchisee of Franchisor, or otherwise
directly or indirectly induce or seek to induce such person to leave his or
her employment thereat.
3. Own, maintain, engage in, or have any interest in any
business (including any business operated by Franchisee prior to entry into
this Agreement) specializing, in whole or in part, in the wholesale or retail
sale or distribution of motorcycle-related paraphernalia and related hard
goods and related merchandise and products, or offering, selling or providing
merchandise or services the same as or similar to that offered, sold or
provided through the System.
D. Franchisee specifically acknowledges that, pursuant to this
Agreement, Franchisee will receive valuable training and confidential
information, including, without limitation, information regarding the
promotional, operational, sales, and marketing methods and techniques of
Franchisor and the System. Accordingly, Franchisee covenants that, except as
otherwise approved in writing by Franchisor, Franchisee shall not, for a
period of two (2) years after the expiration or termination of this Agreement,
regardless of the cause of the termination, either directly or indirectly, for
himself, or through, on behalf of, or in conjunction with any person, persons,
partnership, or corporation, own, maintain, engage in, or have any interest in
any business specializing, in whole or in part, in the wholesale or retail
sale or distribution of motorcycle-related paraphernalia and related hard
goods, or offering or providing any related services or selling any
merchandise or product the same as or similar to those provided or sold
through the EASYRIDERS System:
1. Within the MSA in which the Franchised Business is located; or
2. Within a radius of ten (10) miles of the Franchised Business;
or
3. Within a radius of ten (10) miles of the location of any other
business using the System, whether franchised or owned by Franchisor.
E. The parties agree that each of the foregoing covenants shall be
construed as independent of any other covenant or provision of this Agreement.
The parties have reviewed and acknowledged that the foregoing covenants are
reasonable including but not limited to geographical and time limitations. If
all or any portion of a covenant in this Paragraph XV. is held unreasonable or
unenforceable by a court or agency having valid jurisdiction in an unappealed
final decision to which Franchisor is a party, Franchisee shall be bound by
any lesser covenant subsumed within the terms of such covenant that imposes
the maximum duty permitted by law, as if the resulting covenant were stated in
and made a part of this Paragraph XV.
F. Franchisee understands and acknowledges that Franchisor shall have
the right, in its sole discretion, to reduce the scope of any covenant set
forth in Paragraphs XV.C. and XV.D. in this Agreement, or any portion thereof,
without Franchisee's consent, effective immediately upon receipt by Franchisee
of written notice thereof, without Franchisee's consent, effective immediately
upon receipt by Franchisee of written notice thereof, and Franchisee shall
comply forthwith with any covenant as so modified, which shall be fully
enforceable notwithstanding the provisions of Paragraph XXVI.
G. Franchisor shall have the right to require all of Franchisee's
personnel performing managerial or supervisory functions and all personnel
receiving special training from Franchisor to execute similar covenants in a
form satisfactory to Franchisor.
XVI. DEFAULT AND TERMINATION
A. If Franchisee is in substantial compliance with this Agreement and
Franchisor materially breaches this Agreement and fails to cure such breach
within a reasonable time after written notice thereof is delivered to
Franchisor, Franchisee may terminate this Agreement. Such termination shall
be effective thirty (30) days after delivery to Franchisor of notice that such
breach has not been cured and Franchisee elects to terminate this Agreement.
A termination of this Agreement by Franchisee for any reason other than breach
of this Agreement by Franchisor and Franchisor's failure to cure such breach
within a reasonable time after receipt of written notice thereof shall be
deemed a termination by Franchisee without cause.
B. This Agreement shall terminate automatically upon delivery of
notice of termination to Franchisee, if Franchisee or its owner(s),
officer(s), or manager(s):
1. Fails to satisfactorily complete the training program as
provided in Paragraph IV of this Agreement;
2. Has made any material misrepresentation or omission in its
application for the franchise;
3. Is convicted of or pleads no contest to a felony or other
crime or offense that is likely to adversely affect the reputation of
Franchisee or the EASYRIDERS Franchised Business;
4. Makes any unauthorized use, disclosure or duplication of any
portion of the Confidential Operations Manual or duplicates or discloses or
makes any unauthorized use of any trade secret or confidential information
provided to Franchisee by Franchisor;
5. Abandons or fails or refuses to actively operate the
Franchised Business for two (2) business days in any twelve (12) month period,
unless the Franchised Business has been closed for a purpose approved by
Franchisor, or fails to relocate to an approved premises within an approved
period of time following expiration or termination of the lease for the
premises of the Franchised Business;
6. Surrenders or transfers control of the operation of the
EASYRIDERS Franchised Business, makes an unauthorized direct or indirect
assignment of the franchise or an ownership interest in Franchisee or fails or
refuses to assign the franchise or the interest in Franchisee of a deceased or
disabled controlling owner thereof as herein required;
7. Submits to Franchisor on three (3) or more separate occasions
at any time during the term of the franchise any reports or other data,
information or supporting records which understate by more than three percent
(3%) the Continuing Services and Royalty Fees owed to Franchisor for any
period of, or periods aggregating, three (3) or more weeks, and Franchisee is
unable to demonstrate that such understatements resulted from inadvertent
error;
8. If Franchisee shall become insolvent or make a general
assignment for the benefit of creditors, or if a petition in bankruptcy is
filed by Franchisee or such a petition is filed against and consented to by
Franchisee, or if Franchisee is adjudicated a bankrupt, or if a ▇▇▇▇ in equity
or other proceeding for the appointment of a receiver of Franchisee or other
custodian is filed by Franchisee, or if a receiver or other custodian
(permanent or temporary) of Franchisee's assets or property, or any part
thereof, is appointed by any court of competent jurisdiction, or if
proceedings for a composition with creditors under any state or federal law
should be instituted by or against Franchisee, or if a final judgement remains
unsatisfied or of record for thirty (30) days or longer (unless supersedeas
bond is filed), or if execution is levied against Franchisee's Franchised
Business or property, or suit to foreclose any lien or mortgage against the
premises or equipment is instituted against Franchisee and not dismissed
within thirty (30) days, or if the real or personal property of Franchisee's
Franchised Business shall be sold after levy thereupon by any sheriff,
marshall, or constable;
9. Materially misuses or makes an unauthorized use of the Marks
or commits any act which can reasonably be expected to materially impair the
goodwill associated with the Marks;
10. Materially misuses or makes an unauthorized use of the
Proprietary Software Package (if developed); or
11. Fails on two (2) or more separate occasions within any
period of twelve (12) consecutive months to submit when due reports or other
information or supporting records, to pay when due the Continuing Services and
Royalty Fees, advertising contributions, amounts due for purchases from
Franchisor or its affiliates or other payments due to Franchisor or its
affiliates, or otherwise fails to comply with this Agreement, whether or not
such failures to comply are corrected after notice thereof is delivered to
Franchisee.
C. This Agreement shall terminate without further action or notice to
Franchisee if Franchisee's owner:
1. Fails or refuses to make payments of any amounts due
Franchisor for Continuing Services and Royalty Fees, advertising
contributions, purchases from Franchisor or its affiliates or any other
amounts due to Franchisor or its affiliates, and does not correct such failure
or refusal within ten (10) days after written notice of such failure is
delivered to Franchisee;
2. Fails or refuses to comply with any other provision of this
Agreement, or any other agreement to which Franchisor and Franchisee are
parties or any mandatory specification, standard or operating procedure
prescribed in the Confidential Operations Manual or otherwise in writing, and
does not correct such failure within thirty (30) days (or provide proof
acceptable to Franchisor that it has made all reasonable efforts to correct
such failure and will continue to make all reasonable efforts to cure until a
cure is effected, if such failure cannot reasonably be corrected within thirty
(30) days) after written notice of such failure to comply is delivered to
Franchisee.
D. To the extent that the provisions of this Agreement provide for
periods of notice less than those required by applicable law, or provide for
termination, cancellation, non-renewal or the like other than in accordance
with applicable law, such provisions shall, to the extent such are not in
accordance with applicable law, not be effective, and Franchisor shall comply
with applicable law in connection with each of these matters.
E. In addition to Franchisor's right to terminate this Agreement, and
not in lieu of such right or any other rights against Franchisee, Franchisor,
in the event that Franchisee shall not have cured a default under this
Agreement within the twenty (20) days after receipt of the written "Notice to
Cure" from Franchisor, may, at its option, enter upon the premises of the
EASYRIDERS Franchised Business and exercise complete authority with respect to
the operation of said business until such time as Franchisor determines that
the default of Franchisee has been cured and that there is compliance with the
requirements of this Agreement. Franchisee acknowledges that a designated
representative of Franchisor may take over, control, and operate said
business, and that Franchisee shall pay Franchisor a service fee of not less
than FIVE HUNDRED Dollars ($500.00) per day plus all travel expenses, room and
board and other expenses reasonably incurred by such representative so long as
it shall be required by the representative to enforce compliance herewith.
XVII. RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF PARTIES UPON EXPIRATION OR TERMINATION
Upon termination or expiration, this Agreement and all rights granted
hereunder to Franchisee shall forthwith terminate, and:
A. Franchisee shall immediately cease to operate the Franchised
Business under this Agreement, and shall not thereafter, directly or
indirectly, represent to the public or hold itself out as a present or former
Franchisee of Franchisor.
B. Franchisee shall assign to Franchisor upon its demand Franchisee's
interest in any lease then in effect for the Franchised Business premises, and
Franchisee shall furnish Franchisor with evidence satisfactory to Franchisor
of compliance with this obligation within thirty (30) days after termination
or expiration of this Agreement.
C. Franchisee shall immediately and permanently cease to use, by
advertising or in any other manner whatsoever, any confidential methods, the
Proprietary Software Package (if developed), procedures and techniques
associated with the System; the Marks; and any distinctive form, slogans,
signs, symbols, logos or devices associated with the System. In particular,
Franchisee shall cease to use, without limitation, all signs, advertising
materials, stationery, forms, and any other articles which display the Marks
associated with the System.
D. Franchisee shall take such action as may be necessary to cancel or
assign to Franchisor or Franchisor's designee, at Franchisor's option, any
assumed name or equivalent registration which contains the name "EASYRIDERS"
or any Marks associated with the System, and Franchisee shall furnish
Franchisor with evidence satisfactory to Franchisor of compliance with this
obligation within thirty (30) days after termination or expiration of this
Agreement.
E. Franchisee shall, in the event it continues to operate or
subsequently begins to operate any other business, not use any reproduction,
counterfeit, copy or colorable imitation of the Marks either in connection
with such other business or the promotion thereof, which is likely to cause
confusion, mistake or deception, or which is likely to dilute Franchisor's
exclusive rights in and to the Marks. Franchisee shall not utilize any
designation of origin or description or representation which falsely suggests
or represents an association or connection with Franchisor so as to constitute
unfair competition. Franchisee shall make such modifications or alterations
to the Franchised Business (including, without limitation, the changing of the
telephone number) immediately upon termination or expiration of this Agreement
as may be necessary to prevent any association between Franchisor or the
System and any business thereon subsequently operated by Franchisee or others,
and shall make such specific additional changes thereto as Franchisor may
reasonably request for that purpose, including, without limitation, removal of
all distinctive physical and structural features identify the System. In the
event Franchisee fails or refuses to comply with the requirements of this
Paragraph XVII., Franchisor shall have the right to enter upon the premises
where Franchisee's Franchised Business was conducted, without being guilty of
trespass or any other tort, for the purpose of making or causing to be make
such changes as may be required at the expense of Franchisee, which expense
Franchisee shall pay upon demand.
F. Franchisee shall promptly pay all sums owing to Franchisor and its
affiliates. In the event of termination for any default of Franchisee, such
sums shall include all damages, costs, and expenses, including reasonable
attorneys' fees, incurred by Franchisor as a result of the default.
G. Franchisee shall pay to Franchisor all damages, costs and
expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees, incurred by Franchisor
subsequent to the termination or expiration of the franchise herein granted in
obtaining injunctive or other relief for the enforcement of any provisions of
this Paragraph XVII or Paragraph XV.
H. Franchisee shall immediately turn over to Franchisor all manuals,
including the Confidential Operations Manual, customer lists, records, files,
instructions, brochures, agreements, disclosure statements, and any and all
other materials provided by Franchisor to Franchisee relating to the operation
of the Franchised Business (all of which are acknowledged to be Franchisor's
property).
I. Franchisor shall acquire right, title and interest to any sign or
sign faces bearing the Marks. Franchisee hereby acknowledges Franchisor's
right to access the Franchised Premises should Franchisor elect to take
possession of any said sign or sign faces bearing the Marks.
J. Franchisor shall have the right (but not the duty), to be
exercised by notice of intent to do so within thirty (30) days after
termination or expiration, to purchase for cash, except as provided in
Paragraph XVII.I, any or all equipment, supplies, and other inventory,
advertising materials, and all items bearing the Marks, at Franchisee's cost
or fair market value, whichever is less. If the parties cannot agree on fair
market value within a reasonable time, the determination of fair market value
shall be submitted to arbitration in accordance with Paragraph XXIX. If
Franchisor elects to exercise any option to purchase herein provided, it shall
have the right to set off all amounts due from Franchisee under this Agreement
against any payment therefor.
K. Franchisee hereby acknowledges that all telephone numbers used in
the operation of the franchised businesses constitute assets of the Franchised
Business; and upon termination of expiration of this Agreement Franchisee
shall assign to Franchisor or its designee, all Franchisee's right, title, and
interest in and to Franchisee's telephone numbers and shall notify the
telephone company and all listing agencies of the termination or expiration of
Franchisee's right to use any telephone number and any regular, classified or
other telephone directory listing associated with the Marks and to authorize a
transfer of same to or at the direction of Franchisor.
L. Franchisee shall comply with the covenants contained in Paragraph
XV. of this Agreement.
M. All obligations of Franchisor and Franchisee which expressly or by
their nature survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement shall
continue in full force and effect subsequent to and notwithstanding its
expiration or termination and until they are satisfied or by their nature
expire.
XVIII. TRANSFERABILITY OF INTEREST
A. This Agreement and all rights hereunder can be assigned and
transferred by Franchisor and, if so, shall be binding upon and inure to the
benefit of Franchisor's successors and assigns; provided, however, that with
respect to any assignment resulting in the subsequent performance by the
assignee of the functions of Franchisor, the assignee shall;
1. At the time of such assignment, be financially responsible
and economically capable of performing the obligations of Franchisor
hereunder; and
2. Expressly assume and agree to perform such obligations.
Specifically, and without limitation to the foregoing, Franchisee expressly
agrees that Franchisor may sell its assets, Marks or System outright to a
third party; may make a public offering of securities; may engage in a private
placement of some or all of its securities; may merge, acquire other
corporations or entities, or be acquired by another corporation or other
entity; may undertake a refinancing, recapitalization, leveraged buy out or
other economic or financial restructuring; and, with regard to any or all of
the above sales, assignments and dispositions, Franchisee expressly and
specifically waives any claims, demands or damages arising from or related to
the loss of said Marks (or any variation thereof) and/or the loss of
association with or identification of EASYRIDERS FRANCHISING, INC., as
Franchisor hereunder. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall require
Franchisor to remain in the business in the event that Franchisor exercises
its right hereunder to assign its rights in this Agreement.
B. This Agreement and all rights hereunder may be assigned and
transferred by Franchisee and, if so, shall be binding upon and inure to the
benefit of Franchisee's successors and assigns, subject to the following
conditions and requirements, and Franchisor's right of first refusal as set
forth herein:
1. No Franchisee, partner of Franchisee, (if Franchisee is a
partnership), or shareholder of Franchisee (if Franchisee is a corporation),
without Franchisor's prior written consent, by operation of law or otherwise
shall sell, assign, transfer, convey, give away, or encumber to any person,
firm, or corporation, all or any part of its interest in this Agreement or its
interest in the franchise granted hereby or its interest in any
proprietorship, partnership or corporation which owns any interest in the
franchise, nor offer, permit, or suffer the same to be sold, assigned,
transferred, conveyed, given away, or encumbered in any way to any person,
firm, or corporation. Franchisee may not, without the prior written consent
of Franchisor, fractionalize any of the rights of Franchisee granted pursuant
to this Agreement. Any purported assignment of any of Franchisee's rights
herein not having the aforesaid consent shall be null and void and shall
constitute a material default hereunder.
2. Franchisor shall not unreasonably withhold its consent to any
transfer referenced in Paragraphs XVII.B.1 of this Agreement when requested;
provided, however, that the following conditions and requirements shall first
be met to the full satisfaction of Franchisor.
a. If Franchisee is an individual or partnership and
desires to assign and transfer its rights to a corporation:
(1) Said transferee corporation shall be newly
organized and its charter shall provide that its activities are confined
exclusively to acting as a EASYRIDERS Franchisee as franchised under this
Agreement;
(2) Franchisee shall be and shall remain the owner of
the majority stock interest of the transferee corporation;
(3) The individual Franchisee (or, if Franchisee is a
partnership, one of the partners) shall be and shall remain the principal
executive officer of the corporation;
(4) The transferee corporation shall enter into a
written assignment (in a form satisfactory to Franchisor), in which the
transferee corporation assumes all of Franchisee's obligations hereunder;
(5) All shareholders of the transferee corporation
shall enter into a written agreement, in a form satisfactory to Franchisor,
jointly and severally guaranteeing the full payment and performance of the
transferee corporation's obligations to Franchisor under this Agreement;
(6) Each stock certificate of the transferee
corporation shall have conspicuously endorsed upon it a statement that it is
held subject to, and that further assignment or transfer thereof is subject
to, all restrictions imposed upon assignments by this Agreement;
(7) No new shares of common or preferred voting stock
in the transferee corporation shall be issued to any person, partnership,
trust, foundation, or corporation without obtaining Franchisor's prior written
consent and then only upon disclosure of the terms and conditions contained
herein being made to the prospective new holders of the stock;
(8) All accrued money obligations of Franchisee to
Franchisee's suppliers, Franchisor, its affiliates or assignees, shall be
satisfied prior to assignment or transfer.
b. If the transfer, other than such transfer as is
authorized under Paragraph XVIII.B.2.a. of this Agreement, if consummated
alone or together with other related previous, simultaneous, or proposed
transfers, would have the effect of transferring control of the franchise
licensed herein to someone other than an original signatory of this Agreement;
(1) The transferee(s) shall be of good moral character
and reputation and shall have a good credit rating and competent business
qualifications reasonably acceptable to Franchisor. Franchisee shall provide
Franchisor with such information as Franchisor may require to make such
determination concerning each such proposed transferee(s).
(2) The transferee(s) or such other individual(s) as
shall be the actual manager of the franchise shall have successfully completed
and passed the training course then in effect for franchisees, or otherwise
demonstrated to Franchisor's satisfaction, sufficient ability to operate the
unit being transferred.
(3) The transferee(s), including all shareholders,
officers, directors and partners of the transferee(s), shall jointly and
severally execute any or all of the following, at Franchisor's sole discretion
and as Franchisor shall direct:
aa. A Franchise Agreement and other standard
ancillary agreements with Franchisor on the current standard forms being used
by Franchisor, except that an additional franchise fee shall not be charged;
and/or
bb. A written assignment from Franchisee in a
form satisfactory to Franchisor, wherein transferee shall assume all of
Franchisee's obligations hereunder.
(4) Approval by Franchisor of any transfer by
Franchisee of the franchise herein granted or any of Franchisee's rights under
this Agreement shall in no way be deemed a release by Franchisor of
Franchisee's obligations pursuant to this Agreement . Consent by Franchisor to
a transfer of the franchise shall not constitute or be interpreted as consent
for any future transfer thereof.
(5) The term of said agreements required pursuant to
Paragraph XVII.B.2.(3) shall be for the unexpired term of this Agreement and
for any extensions or renewals as provided herein.
(6) If transferee is a corporation:
aa. Each stock certificate of the transferee
corporation shall have conspicuously endorsed upon it a statement that it is
held subject to, and that further assignment or transfer thereof is subject
to, all restrictions imposed upon assignments by this Agreement; and
bb. No new shares of common or preferred voting
stock in the transferee corporation shall be issued to any person,
partnership, trust, foundation, or corporation without obtaining Franchisor's
prior written consent, and then only upon disclosure of the terms and
conditions contained herein being made to the prospective new holders of the
stock; and
cc. All shareholders of the transferee
corporation shall enter into a written agreement, in a form satisfactory to
Franchisor, jointly and severally guaranteeing full payment and the
performance of the transferee corporation of all obligations under this
Agreement.
(7) All accrued money obligations of Franchisee to
Franchisee's suppliers, Franchisor, its affiliates or assignees, shall be
satisfied prior to assignment or transfer, and Franchisee shall not be in
default under the terms of this Agreement.
(8) Franchisee, prior to the transfer, shall execute a
general release, in a form prescribed by Franchisor, of any and all existing
claims against Franchisor and its affiliates, if any, and their respective
officers, directors, agents and employees, except such claims as are not
permitted to be waived under applicable law.
3. Franchisee shall have fully paid and satisfied all of
Franchisee's obligations to Franchisor, and the transferee or Franchisee shall
have fully paid to Franchisor a non-refundable transfer fee equal to one-half
(1/2) the then-current initial franchise fee charged by Franchisor, for start-
up franchises, at the time of the transfer, for the training, supervision,
administrative costs, overhead, counsel fees, accounting and other expenses
incurred by Franchisor in connection with the transfer. This transfer fee
does not apply to an assignment of interest to a corporation under Paragraph
XVIII.B.2.a of this Agreement.
4. No sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance, encumbrance, or
gift of any interest in this Agreement or in the franchise granted thereby,
shall relieve Franchisee and the shareholders or partners participating in any
transfer, of the obligations of the covenants contained in Paragraph XV.,
except where Franchisor shall expressly authorize in writing.
C. Franchisee must give Franchisor ninety (90) days written notice
prior to any sale or assignment by Franchisee. The purpose of this Paragraph
is to enable Franchisor to comply with any applicable state or federal
franchise disclosure laws.
D. Franchisee must promptly ("promptly" herein defined as within
fifteen (15) days of receipt of an offer to buy) give Franchisor written
notice whenever Franchisee has received an offer to buy Franchisee's
franchise. Franchisee must also give Franchisor written notice simultaneously
with any offer to sell the franchise made by, for, or on behalf of Franchisee.
The purpose of this Paragraph is to enable Franchisor to comply with any
applicable state or federal franchise disclosure laws or rules.
E. Franchisee shall not, without prior written consent of Franchisor,
place in, on or upon the location of the Franchised Business, or in any
communication media, any form of advertising relating to the sale of the
Franchised Business or the rights granted hereunder.
XIX. DEATH OR INCAPACITY OF FRANCHISEE
A. In the event of the death or incapacity of an individual
Franchisee, or any partner of a Franchisee which is a partnership or any
shareholder owning fifty percent (50%) of more of the capital stock of a
Franchisee which is a corporation, the heirs, beneficiaries, devisees, or
legal representatives of said individual, partner or shareholders shall,
within one hundred eighty (180) days of such event:
1. Apply to Franchisor for the right to continue to operate the
franchise for the duration of the term of this Agreement and any renewals
hereof, which right shall be granted upon the fulfillment of all of the
conditions set forth in Paragraph XVII.B.2.b of this Agreement (except that no
transfer fee shall be required); or
2. Sell, assign, transfer, or convey Franchisee's interest in
compliance with the provisions of Paragraphs XVIII.B. and XX. of this
Agreement; provided, however, in the event a proper and timely application for
the right to continue to operate has been made and rejected, the one hundred
eighty (180) days to sell, assign, transfer or convey shall be computed from
the date of said rejection. For purposes of this Paragraph, Franchisor's
silence on an application through the one hundred and eighty (180) days
following the event of death or incapacity shall be deemed a rejection made on
the last day of such period.
B. In the event of the death or incapacity of an individual
Franchisee, or any partner or shareholder of a Franchisee which is a
partnership or corporation, where the aforesaid provisions of Paragraph XVIII
have not been fulfilled within the time provided, all rights franchised to
Franchisee under this Agreement shall, at the option of Franchisor, terminate
forthwith and Franchisor shall have the option to purchase the assets of
Franchised Business in accordance with Paragraph XVII.J. of this Agreement.
XX. RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL
If Franchisee or its owners propose to sell the Franchised Business (or
its assets) or part or all of the ownership of Franchisee, Franchisee or its
owners shall obtain and deliver a bona fide, executed written offer to
purchase same to Franchisor, which shall, for a period of fifteen (15) days
from the date of delivery of such offer, have the right, exercisable by
written notice to Franchisee or its owners, to purchase the Franchised
Business (or its assets) or such ownership for the price and on the terms and
conditions contained in such offer, provided that Franchisor may substitute
cash for any form of payment proposed in such offer. If Franchisor does not
exercise this right of first refusal, the offer may be accepted by Franchisee
or its owners, subject to the prior written approval of Franchisor, as
provided in Paragraph XVIII hereof, provided that if such offer is not so
accepted within six (6) months of the date thereof, Franchisor shall again
have the right of first refusal herein described. Should a transfer
Franchisee assume the rights and obligations under this Agreement, such
transferee Franchisee shall likewise by subject to Franchisor's right of first
refusal under terms and conditions as set forth herein.
XXI. OPERATION IN THE EVENT OF ABSENCE, DISABILITY OR DEATH
In order to prevent any interruption of the Franchised Business which
would cause harm to said business and thereby depreciate the value thereof,
Franchisee authorizes Franchisor, in the event that Franchisee is absent or
incapacitated by reason of illness or death and is not, therefore, in the sole
judgement of Franchisor, able to operate the Franchised Business, to operate
said business for so long as Franchisor deems necessary and practical, and
without waiver of any other rights or remedies Franchisor may have under this
Agreement. Nothing contained herein shall create an obligation on the part of
Franchisor, nor shall Franchisor's operation of the Franchised Business create
an obligation on the part of Franchisor to so operate the Franchised Business.
All monies from the operation of the business during such period of operation
by Franchisor shall be kept in a separate account and the expenses of the
business, including reasonable compensation and expenses for Franchisor's
representative, shall be charged to said account.
XXII. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR AND INDEMNIFICATION
A. This Agreement does not create a fiduciary relationship between
the parties, nor does it constitute Franchisee as an agent, legal
representative, joint venturer, partner, employee, or servant of Franchisor
for any purpose whatsoever; and it is understood between the parties hereto
that Franchisee shall be an independent contractor and is in no way authorized
to make any contract, agreement, warranty or representation on behalf of
Franchisor, or to create any obligation, express or implied, on behalf of
Franchisor.
B. During the term of this Agreement and any extension hereof,
Franchisee shall hold itself out to the public as an independent contractor
operating the business pursuant to a franchise from Franchisor. Franchisee
shall take such affirmative action as may be necessary to do so, including,
without limitation, exhibiting a notice of that fact in a conspicuous place on
the Franchised Premises, the content of which Franchisor reserves the right to
specify.
C. Franchisee shall defend at his own cost and indemnify and hold
harmless Franchisor, its affiliates, shareholders, directors, officers,
employees and agents, from and against any and all claims demands, losses,
costs, legal actions, judgements, awards, expenses (including, without
limitation, reasonable accountants', attorneys', and expert witness fees,
costs of investigation and proof of facts, court costs, other litigation
expenses and travel and living expenses), damages and liabilities, however,
caused, resulting directly or indirectly from or pertaining to the use,
condition, or construction, equipping, decorating, maintenance or operation of
the Franchised Business, including the sale of any products, service or
merchandise sold from the Franchised Business. Such loss, claims, costs,
expenses, damages and liabilities shall include, without limitation, those
arising from latent or other defects in the Franchised Business, whether or
not discoverable by Franchisor, and those arising from the death or injury to
any person or arising from damage to the property of Franchisee or Franchisor,
their agents or employees, or any third person, firm or corporation, whether
or not such losses, claims, costs, expenses, damages, or liabilities were
actually or allegedly caused wholly or in part through the active or passive
negligence of Franchisor or any of its agents or employees or resulted from
any strict liability imposed on Franchisor or any of its agents or employees.
All such indemnification shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
D. Franchisor shall not, by virtue of any approvals, advice or
services provided to Franchisee, assume responsibility or liability to
Franchisee or any third parties to which Franchisor would not otherwise be
subject.
XXIII. NON-WAIVER
No failure of Franchisor to exercise any power reserved to it hereunder,
or to insist upon strict compliance by Franchisee with any obligation or
condition hereunder, and no custom or practice of the parties in variance with
the terms hereof, shall constitute a waiver of Franchisor's right to demand
exact compliance with the terms hereof. Waiver by Franchisor of any
particular default by Franchisee shall not be binding unless in writing and
executed by the party sought to be charged and shall not affect or impair
Franchisor's right with respect to any subsequent default of the same or of a
different nature; nor shall any delay, waiver, forbearance, or omission of
Franchisor to exercise any power or rights arising out of any breach or
default by Franchisee of any of the terms, provisions, or covenants hereof,
affect or impair Franchisor's rights nor shall such constitute a waiver by
Franchisor of any right hereunder of the right to declare any subsequent
breach or default. Subsequent acceptance by Franchisor of any payment(s) due
to it hereunder shall not be deemed to be a waiver by Franchisor of any
preceding breach by Franchisee of any terms, covenants or conditions of this
Agreement.
XXIV. NOTICE
Any and all notices required or permitted under this Agreement shall be
in writing and shall be personally delivered or mailed by certified mail,
return receipt requested, to the respective parties at the following addresses
unless and until a different address has been designated by written notice to
the other party:
Notices to Franchisor: EASYRIDERS FRANCHISING, INC.
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Copy to:
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Notices to Franchisee:
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Copies to:
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Any notice by certified mail shall be deemed to have been given at the date
and time of mailing.
XXV. COST OF ENFORCEMENT OR DEFENSE
In the event that either party to this Agreement is required to employ
legal counsel or to incur other expenses to enforce any obligation of the
second party hereunder, or to defend against any claim, demand, action, or
proceeding by reason of the second party's failure to perform any obligation
imposed upon the second party by this Agreement, and provided that legal
action is filed and such action or the settlement thereof establishes the
second party's default hereunder, then the first party shall be entitled to
recover from the second party the amount of all reasonable attorney's fees of
such counsel and all other expenses incurred in enforcing such obligation or
in defending against such claim, demand, action or proceeding, whether
incurred prior to, or in preparation for, or in contemplation of the filing of
such action or thereafter. Nothing contained in this Paragraph shall relate
to arbitration proceedings pursuant to this Agreement.
XXVI. ENTIRE AGREEMENT
This Agreement, and Exhibit attached hereto, and the documents referred
to herein, shall be construed together and constitute the entire, full and
complete agreement between Franchisor and Franchisee concerning the subject
matter hereof, and supersede all prior agreements. No other representation
has induced Franchisee to execute this Agreement, and there are no
representations, inducements, promises, or agreements, oral or otherwise,
between the parties not embodied herein, which are of any force or effect with
reference to this Agreement or otherwise. No amendment, change or variance
from this Agreement shall be binding on either party unless executed in
writing by both parties.
XXVII. SEVERABILITY AND CONSTRUCTION
A. Each Paragraph, part, term and/or provision of this Agreement
shall be considered severable, and if, for any reason, any Paragraph, part,
term and/or provision herein is determined to be invalid and contrary to, or
in conflict with, any existing or future law or regulation, such shall not
impair the operation of or affect the remaining portions, sections, parts,
terms and/or provisions of this Agreement, and the latter will continue to be
given full force and effect and bind the parties hereto; and said invalid
sections, parts, terms and/or provisions shall be deemed not part of this
Agreement.
B. Anything to the contrary herein notwithstanding, nothing in this
Agreement is intended, nor shall be deemed, to confer upon any person or legal
entity other than Franchisor or Franchisee and such of their respective
successors and assigns as may be contemplated by this Agreement, any rights or
remedies under or by reason of this Agreement.
C. Franchisee shall be bound by an promise or covenant imposing the
maximum duty permitted by law which is contained within the terms of any
provision hereof, as though it were separately stated in and made a part of
this Agreement, that may result from striking from any of the provisions
hereof any portion or portions which a court may hold to be unreasonable and
unenforceable in a final decision to which Franchisor is a party, or from
reducing the scope of any promise or covenant to the extent required to comply
with such a court order.
D. All captions herein are intended solely for the convenience of the
parties, and none shall be deemed to affect the meaning or construction of any
provision hereof.
E. This Agreement may be executed in triplicate, and each copy so
executed shall be deemed an original.
F. The recitals set forth in this Agreement are specifically
incorporated into the terms of this Agreement and hereby constitute a part
thereof.
XXVIII. APPLICABLE LAW
A. THIS AGREEMENT TAKES EFFECT UPON ITS ACCEPTANCE AND EXECUTION BY
FRANCHISOR IN CALIFORNIA; AND SHALL BE INTERPRETED AND CONSTRUED UNDER THE
LAWS THEREOF, WHICH LAWS SHALL PREVAIL IN THE EVENT OF ANY CONFLICT OF LAW,
EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT GOVERNED BY THE UNITED STATES TRADEMARK ACT OF 1946
(▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇, ▇▇, U.S.C. SECTIONS ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇ ▇▇▇), ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ COPYRIGHT ACT
OF 1976, AS AMENDED, AND THE UNITED STATES PATENT ACT OF 1952, AS AMENDED.
B. FRANCHISEE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THIS AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO IN LOS
ANGELES COUNTY, CALIFORNIA AND THAT ANY ACTION SOUGHT TO BE BROUGHT BY EITHER
PARTY, EXCEPT THOSE CLAIMS REQUIRED TO BE SUBMITTED TO ARBITRATION SHALL BE
BROUGHT IN THE APPROPRIATE STATE OR FEDERAL COURT IN CALIFORNIA WITH
JURISDICTION OVER THE MATTER, AND THE PARTIES DO HEREBY WAIVE ALL QUESTIONS OF
PERSONAL JURISDICTION OR VENUE FOR THE PURPOSES OF CARRYING OUT THIS
PROVISION.
C. NO RIGHT OR REMEDY CONFERRED UPON OR RESERVED TO FRANCHISOR OR
FRANCHISEE BY THIS AGREEMENT IS INTENDED TO BE, NOR SHALL BE DEEMED, EXCLUSIVE
OF ANY OTHER RIGHT OR REMEDY HEREIN OR BY LAW OR EQUITY PROVIDED OR PERMITTED,
BUT EACH SHALL BE CUMULATIVE OF EVERY OTHER RIGHT OR REMEDY.
D. NOTHING HEREIN CONTAINED SHALL BAR FRANCHISOR'S RIGHT TO OBTAIN
INJUNCTIVE RELIEF AGAINST THREATENED CONDUCT THAT WILL CAUSE IT LOSS OR
DAMAGES, UNDER THE USUAL EQUITY RULES, INCLUDING THE APPLICABLE RULES FOR
OBTAINING RESTRAINING ORDERS AND PRELIMINARY INJUNCTIONS.
XXIX. ARBITRATION
A. Any monetary claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement,
or any breach thereof, and any controversy regarding the establishment of the
fair market value of leasehold improvements and other Franchised Business
assets pursuant to Paragraph XVII.J. hereof, shall be submitted to arbitration
in Los Angeles County, California, in accordance with the rules of the
American Arbitration Association and judgement upon the award may be entered
in any court having jurisdiction thereof. Nothing contained herein shall,
however, be construed to limit or to preclude Franchisor from bringing any
action in any court of competent jurisdiction for injunctive or other
provisional relief as Franchisor deems to be necessary or appropriate to
compel Franchisee to comply with his obligations hereunder or to protect the
Marks or other property rights of Franchisor. In addition, nothing contained
herein shall be construed to limit or to preclude Franchisor from joining with
any action for injunctive or provisional relief all monetary claims that
Franchisor may have against Franchisee which arise out of the acts or
omissions to act giving rise to the action for injunctive or provisional
relief. This arbitration provision shall be deemed to be self-executing and
in the event that Franchisee fails to appear any properly noticed arbitration
proceeding, award may be entered against Franchisee notwithstanding his
failure to appear.
B. Nothing herein contained shall bar the right of either party to
seek and obtain temporary injunctive relief from a court of competent
jurisdiction in accordance with applicable law against threatened conduct that
will cause loss or damage, pending completion of the arbitration.
C. It is the intent of the parties that any arbitration between
Franchisor and Franchisee shall be of Franchisee's individual claim and that
the claim subject to arbitration shall not be arbitrated on a classwide basis.
XXX. "FRANCHISEE" DEFINED AND GUARANTY
As used in this Agreement, the term "Franchisee" shall include all
persons who succeed to the interest of the original Franchisee by permitted
transfer or operation of law and shall be deemed to include not only the
individual or entity defined as "Franchisee" in the introductory paragraph of
this Agreement but shall also include all partners of the entity that executes
this Agreement, in the event said entity is a partnership, and all
shareholders, officers and directors of the entity that executes this
Agreement, in the event said entity is a corporation. By the signatures
hereto, all partners, shareholders, officers and directors of the entity that
signs this Agreement as Franchisee acknowledges and accepts the duties and
obligations imposed upon each of them, individually, by the terms of this
Agreement. All partners of the entity that executes this Agreement, in the
event said entity is a partnership and all shareholders, officers and
directors of the entity that executed this Agreement, in the event said entity
is a corporation, shall execute the Guaranty and Assumption of Obligations
attached hereto as Exhibit A and made a part hereof.
XXXI. FORCE MAJEURE
Whenever a period of time is provided in this Agreement for either party
to do or perform any act or thing, except the payment of monies, neither party
shall be liable or responsible for any delays due to strikes, lockouts,
casualties, acts of God, war, governmental regulation or control or other
causes beyond the reasonable control of the parties, and in any event said
time period for the performance of an obligation hereunder shall be extended
for the amount of time of the delay. This clause shall not apply or not
result in an extension of the term of this Agreement.
XXXII. CAVEAT
The success of the business venture contemplated to be undertaken by
Franchisee by virtue of this Agreement is speculative and depends, to a large
extent, upon the ability of Franchisee as an independent businessman, and his
active participation in the daily affairs of the business as well as other
factors. Franchisor does not make any representation or warranty express or
implied as to the potential success of the business venture contemplated
hereby.
XXXIII. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
A. Franchisee represents and acknowledges that it has received, read
and understood this Agreement and Franchisor's Uniform Franchise Offering
Circular; and that Franchisor has fully and adequately explained the
provisions of each to Franchisee's satisfaction; and that Franchisor has
accorded Franchisee ample time and opportunity to consult with advisors of its
own choosing about the potential benefits and risks of entering into this
Agreement.
B. Franchisee acknowledges that it has received a copy of this
Agreement and the attachments thereto, at least five (5) business days prior
to the date on which this Agreement was executed. Franchisee further
acknowledges that Franchisee has received the disclosure document required by
the Trade Regulation Rule of the Federal Trade Commission entitled Disclosure
Requirements and Prohibitions Concerning Franchising and Business Opportunity
Ventures, at least (10) business days prior to the date on which this
Agreement was executed.
C. Franchisee has been advised to consult with its own advisors with
respect to the legal, financial and other aspect of this Agreement, the
business franchised hereby, and the prospects for that business. Franchisee
has either consulted with such advisors or has deliberately declined to do so.
D. The covenants not to compete set forth in this Agreement are fair
and reasonable and will not impose any undue hardship on Franchisee, since
Franchisee has other considerable skills, experience and education which
afford Franchisee the opportunity to derive income from other endeavors.
E. Franchisee affirms that all information set forth in any and all
applications, financial statements and submissions to Franchisor is true,
complete and accurate in all respects, with Franchisee expressly acknowledging
that Franchisor is relying upon the truthfulness, completeness and accuracy of
such information.
F. Franchisee has conducted an independent investigation of the
business contemplated by this Agreement and recognizes that, like any other
business, an investment in a EASYRIDERS Franchised Business involves business
risks and that the success of the venture is primarily dependent upon the
business abilities and efforts of Franchisee.
G. Franchisee hereby consents and agrees that any disputes arising
between Franchisor and Franchisee be submitted to arbitration as provided in
Paragraph XXIX.A. of this Agreement.
H. FRANCHISEE UNDERSTANDS AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT ALL REPRESENTATIONS
OF FACT CONTAINED HEREIN ARE MADE SOLELY BY FRANCHISOR. ALL DOCUMENTS,
INCLUDING FRANCHISOR'S FRANCHISE AGREEMENT AND UNIFORM FRANCHISE OFFERING
CIRCULAR AND ALL EXHIBITS THERETO, HAVE BEEN PREPARED SOLELY IN RELIANCE UPON
REPRESENTATIONS MADE AND INFORMATION PROVIDED BY FRANCHISOR, ITS OFFICERS AND
DIRECTORS. FRANCHISEE FURTHER AGREES TO INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS THE
PREPARER OF ANY AND ALL SUCH FRANCHISE AGREEMENTS, OFFERING CIRCULARS AND
EXHIBITS THERETO FROM ANY AND ALL LOSS, COSTS, EXPENSES, (INCLUDING ATTORNEYS'
FEES), DAMAGES AND LIABILITIES RESULTING FROM ANY REPRESENTATIONS AND/OR
CLAIMS MADE BY FRANCHISOR IN SUCH DOCUMENTS.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound
hereby, have duly executed, sealed and delivered this Agreement in triplicate
the day and year first above written.
ATTEST: EASYRIDERS FRANCHISING, INC.
/s/ Signature illegible By: /s/ Signature illegible
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Witness
Title: President
-----------------------------
Date: 11-30-94
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ATTEST: FRANCHISEE
/s/ Signature illegible By: /s/ Signature illegible
------------------------------- ---------------------------------
Witness
Title: Owner
------------------------------
Date: 11-30-94
------------------------------- -------------------------------
Witness