Tim van der Maas
Partner | Lawyer
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+31 (0)70 318 4200
Franchise
A full-service approach to franchise
Our franchise team advises both global franchise chains, including well-known fast-food organisations, and Dutch formulas in sectors such as hospitality, retail, healthcare and services. We often act on behalf of franchisors and regularly also on behalf of franchisees.
Specialist in franchise law
We have insight into the sector, an understanding of the mutual relationships and knowledge of franchise legislation, which is constantly changing. We analyse case law daily and help devise solutions even where this seems impossible under the Wet franchise.
We offer franchisors and franchisees a total package. This includes support in the areas of M&A, corporate law, notarial services, employment law, tenancy law and tax law, all under one roof at BUREN. This means you do not have to work with different advisers but have all the expertise bundled within our firm.
Franchising is regularly in the news because there are constant developments. The Wet franchise, which has been in force since 1 January 2021, is being evaluated, and not without reason. Because the act contains entirely mandatory provisions, its application in practice is difficult. Waiting periods, rules for franchisees' participation, goodwill arrangements and non-competition clauses are examples of topics that often come up. We are on top of such developments and are actively lobbying market parties, politicians and other stakeholders.
Not just the franchise agreement
We handle all legal matters for globally operating franchise chains and Dutch formulas. We not only draw up the franchise agreement, but also deal with, for example:
- Setting up the right legal and tax structure
- Acquisitions and sales of formulas and branches
- Lease and sublease matters
- Purchase contracts and general terms and conditions
- Disputes between franchisor and franchisee
- Internationalisation of formulas
- Master franchise agreements
- Non-disclosure agreements
- Letters of intent
- Refranchising processes and remodelling obligations
- Lease, purchase and development agreements
- Permits
- Employment law, including reorganisations
- Bankruptcy law and liability law
- Franchise councils and consultative bodies
- Intellectual property law, including trademark law
Key contacts
