Business & Franchise
About This Practice
Every business deal in Ontario lives or dies on its paperwork. Whether you are incorporating, drafting a shareholder agreement, buying out a partner, or signing a commercial lease, the goal is the same: clear terms now so there is no expensive surprise later. We help small-business owners across Brampton and the GTA put the right structure in place from day one.
Franchises carry their own rulebook. Under Ontario's Arthur Wishart Act (Franchise Disclosure), 2000, a franchisor must hand a prospective franchisee a complete Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) at least 14 days before you sign anything or pay any money. That document must spell out the material facts — financials, supplier obligations, any litigation — so you can make an informed decision.
Those disclosure rules have teeth. If the FDD is late, missing, or materially deficient, the Act gives a franchisee a right to rescind — to unwind the deal — within 60 days for a flawed document, or up to two years if no disclosure was ever provided.
How We Work
We read the agreement the way the other side's lawyer did — looking for the clauses that bind you, the renewal and exit terms, and the obligations buried in the fine print. Then we translate it into plain language so you understand exactly what you are agreeing to before you commit your savings or your signature.
Contact the firm to speak with a lawyer in this practice area.
Frequently Asked
Under the Arthur Wishart Act, the franchisor must deliver a complete Franchise Disclosure Document at least 14 days before you sign any agreement or pay any money. That window exists so you can review the deal, ideally with a lawyer, before you are committed. If you are being rushed, that is a sign to slow down.
Possibly. Ontario’s Arthur Wishart Act gives franchisees a right to rescind within 60 days when disclosure is deficient, and up to two years where no disclosure was provided at all. A valid rescission can also trigger refunds and compensation. The deadlines are strict, so it is important to act quickly.
A review before signing is almost always cheaper than a dispute afterward. Shareholder agreements, leases, and supplier contracts often contain renewal, exit, and liability terms that are easy to miss. Having them explained in plain English helps you sign with confidence.