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
Column Franchise+ – mr. J. Sterk – “Franchisee does body check better than franchise check”
A gym embarks on a franchise concept that offers “Body Checks” and discounts to (potential) members in collaboration with health insurers.
Seminar Mrs. J. Sterk and M. Munnik – Thursday, November 2, 2017: “Important legal developments for franchisors”
Attorneys Jeroen Sterk and Maaike Munnik of Ludwig & Van Dam Advocaten will update you on the status of and developments surrounding the Dutch Franchise Code and the Acquisition Fraude Act.
Goodwill at end of franchise agreement
In a case before the Amsterdam Court of Appeal on 26 September 2017, ECLI:NL:GHAMS:2017:3900 (Seal & Go), a franchisee claimed compensation for goodwill (ex Article 7:308 of the Dutch Civil Code) after the
Article in Entrance: “Resignation”
Fire an employee who is not performing well? The subdistrict court is strict. If you, as an employer, cannot demonstrate that you have done everything yourself to make the person function better, it will be
Cost price that is too high as a hidden franchise fee
An interlocutory judgment of the District Court of The Hague dated 30 August 2017, ECLI:NL:RBDHA:2017:10597 (Happy Nurse) shows that the court has considered the question whether the
Supermarket letter – 19
Coop liability for damages due to non-performance towards the franchisee