Media reports this week that Retail Food Group (RFG), an owner of major national franchise chains such as Gloria Jeans and Michel’s Patisserie, is facing financial difficulties, is a reminder that major franchise chains are not immune from financial difficulties that may impact franchisees.
Owning well recognised franchise brands does not make franchisors immune from financial and market pressure. Recent years have seen the demise of large established franchise chains such as Eagle Boys which saw the appointment of administrators in 2016 and was later acquired by Pizza Hut.
If a major franchise chain is placed into administration or becomes insolvent it does not mean that franchisees are permitted to stop paying franchise fees. The franchisees may continue to be obliged to meet all its obligations under the franchise agreement even if the struggles of the franchise chain have an adverse impact on the franchise chain and many of the franchisees and knowing the franchise may be terminated any day.
The insolvency or financial difficulty of the franchisor may also provide an opportunity for a franchisee to exit the franchise chain while retaining an existing business as a rebranded or independent business as an income earning asset. The purchaser of a franchise chain that has been into administration may decide to close stores. Not all Eagles Boys franchised stores were converted to Pizza Hut stores and many were closed. Similarly, an owner of a franchise chain facing financial difficulties may plan to close stores. For example, media reports indicate that RFG plans to close 250 stores.
For all matters concerning franchise law, speak to a Brisbane franchise lawyer today. If your business is struggling financial and may face insolvency in the future, consult our Brisbane insolvency lawyers today.
