DLA Piper is an international leader in franchise law. Our lawyers can help clients establish franchise and related distribution systems across Africa and globally, navigating expansions into new markets.
Africa-based companies and multinationals can draw on our in-country insights and global capability to help grow their businesses. We have helped shape franchising from its inception. Our Franchise practice is consistently ranked tier one globally by all major legal directories. We have advised clients in franchise transactions in more than 100 countries, including the world’s largest restaurant chains, hotels, retailers and professional services companies.
Local presence, global reach: we work in 20 African countries, providing an unrivalled local presence and insights backed by one of the world’s biggest business law firms. Our global Africa team comprises more than 200 lawyers in Johannesburg, Casablanca, London, New York, Paris, Dubai, Perth, Hong Kong and Beijing.
This international capability includes experienced lawyers in all of the world’s key jurisdictions, supporting a seamless cross-border service: whether that means advising entrepreneurs and startups or the largest franchisors, manufacturers and distributors. Our clients’ franchise networks range from dozens to thousands of outlets, and many trade globally through online and mobile channels. We also represent multiple-outlet franchisees, area developers and master franchisees.
Our capabilities are recognized: we serve as General Counsel to the International Franchise Association and are affiliate members of national associations in key markets including the British Franchise Association and its affiliation to the European Franchise Federation. We are also closely affiliated with organizations in China, Russia and Australia.
Key capabilities include:
- structuring and documenting franchise programs
- expanding into new markets through master franchising, area development, joint ventures, etc.
- advising on structuring alternative distribution relationships that avoid regulation under franchise laws
- preparing disclosure documents, counseling on registration requirements, compliance with regulations
- restructuring existing franchise relationships
- franchise and dealership terminations and transfers, compliance with relationship regulation
- structuring advertising funds and developing advertising programs and materials
- developing supply programs for franchisees
- litigation, arbitration, mediation and other alternative dispute resolution (ADR) techniques
- franchise-related matters: corporate, real estate, technology, data privacy, finance, environmental, tax
Please contact us to discuss how we can help you to achieve your objectives.