Article Franchise+ – “How do I get rid of my debts: Also for franchisees and franchisors” – mr. AW Dolphijn – dated October 20, 2020
Is the situation hopeless, for example due to debts related to the corona crisis and is a rescue plan thwarted?
A reorganization may also be necessary for franchisees and franchisors who are in financial difficulties in order to continue to exist. The corona crisis will cause unbridgeable debts for some, which may make the continuation of the company seem hopeless. With the introduction of the Homologation Private Agreement (WHOA) Act, bankruptcy can be better prevented and a restart can be realized, whereby debts can be (partially) waived.
In practice, a rescue plan proves difficult if certain creditors are uncooperative. They can make the plan impossible. Those creditors may also include the Tax and Customs Administration, shareholders, lessor, supplier or franchisor or franchisees.
With the WHOA, creditors can now be even better forced to agree to a rescue plan. The court can then be asked to assess the rescue plan, considering whether and to what extent sleepers should participate. The rescue plan can then be approved and interfering creditors can be forced to agree to it.
In principle, the regulation gives the ailing entrepreneur great freedom in determining the content of the rescue plan. The legal procedure has short deadlines and a fast turnaround time. It is a complex legal procedure and that makes it important that preparations are made in good time.
The WHOA has already been adopted and is expected to come into effect on January 1, 2021. For many franchise companies, it will be important to draw up a rescue plan in good time or to anticipate such a plan.
mr. AW Dolphijn – franchise lawyer
Ludwig & Van Dam Franchise attorneys, franchise legal advice. Do you want to respond? Go to dolphijn@ludwigvandam.nl
Other messages
The possibilities regarding claiming a rent reduction then
Following on from earlier published articles of my hand, I will once again deal with a tenancy law issue below.
Catering agreements
The Netherlands Competition Authority (NMa) recently made a decision regarding the beer supply agreements submitted by Heineken for exemption.
European Code of Honor on Franchising
Article 3 of the European Code of Honor on Franchising deals with this in quite some detail
A proven success formula?
In these times of malaise and tentative recovery, it is of course also grating and hinged in the franchise world.
The duty of care of the franchisor is further specified in the context of the
In recent years, a large amount of jurisprudence has come to light regarding the non-achievement of the forecasts by the franchisee.
The bankrupt franchisor
In the current time of economic downturn, bankruptcies of companies are the order of the day.