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Exhibit 10.5
CANDLEWOOD HOTEL COMPANY, L.L.C.
FRANCHISE AGREEMENT
CANDLEWOOD HOTEL COMPANY, L.L.C.
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FRANCHISE AGREEMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page No.
Recitals ...................................................................................................... 1
Article 1 Acknowledgments and Representations............................................................ 2
Article 2 Grant of Franchise............................................................................. 3
Article 3 Term and Renewal............................................................................... 4
Article 4 Fees and Royalties............................................................................. 5
Article 5 Hotel Construction and Opening................................................................. 7
Article 6 Duties of CHC.................................................................................. 10
Article 7 General Duties of Franchisee................................................................... 12
Article 8 Quality Control and Supervision................................................................ 16
Article 9 Advertising.................................................................................... 18
Article 10 Financial Reporting............................................................................ 20
Article 11 Proprietary Marks and Trade Secrets; Competition............................................... 22
Article 12 Insurance and Indemnity........................................................................ 26
Article 13 Transfer of Interest or Management............................................................. 28
Article 14 Default and Termination........................................................................ 33
Article 15 Obligations upon Termination................................................................... 35
Article 16 Additional Covenants........................................................................... 37
Article 17 Approvals and Waivers.......................................................................... 38
Article 18 Notices........................................................................................ 39
Article 19 Alternative Dispute Resolution................................................................. 39
Article 20 Entire Agreement............................................................................... 41
Article 21 Construction and Modification.................................................................. 42
Article 22 Execution of Agreement......................................................................... 43
Guaranty....................................................................................................... 45
Exhibit A Approved Location ............................................................................. A-1
Exhibit B Owners of Franchisee .......................................................................... B-1
Exhibit C Covenant Agreement ............................................................................ C-1
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CANDLEWOOD HOTEL COMPANY, L.L.C.
FRANCHISE AGREEMENT
THIS FRANCHISE AGREEMENT (the or this "Agreement") made and entered
into at Wichita, Kansas this 25th day of July, 1996, by and between CANDLEWOOD
HOTEL COMPANY, L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company (hereinafter
referred to as "CHC"), and Studio West Hotel Development Company, L.L.C.
(hereinafter referred to as "Franchisee"), whose principal business address is
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇.
RECITALS
A. CHC has developed and owns a concept and distinctive system for the
design, decor, establishment, operation, and image of hotels under the name
"Candlewood Hotel" and "Candlewood/A Studio Hotel" (such names and any other
trade names, service marks, trademarks, logos, emblems, or other indication of
origin as are now or hereafter designated by CHC as part of such system are
hereinafter referred to as the "Proprietary Marks") utilizing certain Trade
Secrets (as defined in Section 11. 4 below) in connection with providing economy
extended-stay lodging accommodations (such system, as it may be modified or
supplemented by CHC from time to time, is hereinafter referred to as the
"System").
B. Franchisee desires to establish and operate a Candlewood Hotel under
the System and wishes to obtain a franchise from CHC for that purpose.
C. Franchisee recognizes the benefits to be derived from being
identified with and licensed to use the System and Franchisee understands and
acknowledges the importance of operating the hotel franchised hereunder in
strict conformity with CHC's standards and specifications in order to enhance
public acceptance of, and demand for, all Candlewood Hotels (hereinafter, the
"System Hotels").
D. CHC is relying upon the business skill, financial capacity, and
character of Franchisee and its principals, and the guarantee by the principals
of Franchisee's obligations, if applicable, as attached to this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the promises
contained herein, the parties agree as follows:
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ARTICLE 1. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND REPRESENTATIONS.
Franchisee acknowledges and represents to CHC, in order to induce CHC
to enter this Agreement, as follows:
A. Franchisee has read this Agreement and CHC's franchise
disclosure document and understands and accepts the terms, conditions,
and covenants contained in this Agreement as being reasonably necessary
to maintain CHC's standards of quality and service and the uniformity
of those standards at each System Hotel in order to protect and
preserve the goodwill of the Proprietary Marks.
B. Franchisee has conducted an independent investigation of
the business contemplated by this Agreement. Franchisee recognizes that
the nature of the business conducted by CHC may evolve and change over
time; that an investment in a Candlewood Hotel involves business risks
which have been considered by Franchisee; and that the success of the
venture depends primarily upon Franchisee's business ability and
efforts.
C. Franchisee has not received or relied upon any guarantee,
expressed or implied, about the revenues, profits, or success of the
business venture contemplated by this Agreement.
D. No representations have been made by CHC, or by its
members, managers, officers, employees, directors, and/or agents, and
Franchisee has not relied on any representations, that are contrary to
or not contained in the statements made in the franchise disclosure
document heretofore received by Franchisee or the terms contained in
this Agreement.
E. CHC has made no representations or warranties and has
further disclaimed any warranties with regard to whether any of the
Proprietary Marks are protectable or registerable and with regard to
whether any of the Proprietary Marks infringe upon the rights of
others.
F. In all of their dealings with Franchisee, the members,
managers, officers, employees, directors, and/or agents of CHC act only
in a representative capacity, not in an individual capacity, and that
this Agreement and all business dealings between Franchisee and such
individuals as a result of this Agreement are solely between Franchisee
and CHC.
G. The application made by Franchisee to CHC is true and
correct. Franchisee has made no incorrect statement in the application
or failed to make any
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statement that would be necessary to make the statements in the
application not misleading.
ARTICLE 2. GRANT OF FRANCHISE.
2.1. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and to the
continuous compliance by Franchisee with the terms and conditions of this
Agreement, CHC hereby grants to Franchisee the nonexclusive right, and
Franchisee undertakes the obligation, to operate a Candlewood Hotel in
accordance with CHC's standards and specifications, including the operational
standards procedures and techniques as prescribed in the System standards manual
of CHC (as it may be modified, amended, and supplemented by CHC from time to
time in its sole discretion, hereinafter, the "Manual"), and to use the System
(as it may be changed, improved, and further developed by CHC from time to time)
and the Proprietary Marks in connection therewith. Such franchised Candlewood
Hotel shall be referred to in this Agreement as the "Hotel" or "franchised
business."
2.2. Franchisee shall operate the Hotel at, and only at, the street
address set forth on Exhibit A hereto (hereinafter, the "Approved Location"),
and the Hotel shall have the number of guest rooms specified on Exhibit A.
Franchisee agrees that CHC and CHC's members and the subsidiaries and
affiliates, shareholders, and owners of CHC and its members including without
limitation Doubletree Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and its affiliates
(hereinafter, the "Affiliated Companies") are not restricted from using the
System or engaging in or licensing any business activity including System Hotels
or other hotels at any other location.
2.3. Franchisee agrees that (a) this franchise relates solely to the
Approved Location, and (b) this Agreement does not entitle Franchisee to any
protected territory, territorial rights, or exclusivity. Franchisee shall not
expand or change the number of guest rooms in the Hotel without the prior
written consent of CHC.
2.4. Franchisee further agrees that CHC and the Affiliated Companies
have and retain the right to develop, acquire, participate in, and/or operate
and license others to develop, acquire, participate in, and/or operate hotels,
lodging facilities, or other business operations of any type whatsoever,
including, without limitation, hotels using any of the Proprietary Marks or any
other trade names including, but not limited to, any of the following specific
trade names: Doubletree, Doubletree Guest Suites, Club Hotels by Doubletree,
Residence Inn by Marriott and The Residence Inn, at any location, and that such
business operations may compete with and adversely affect the operation of the
franchised business. Franchisee agrees that the Affiliated Companies may
exercise such rights from time to time without notice to Franchisee. Franchisee
covenants that it shall not take any action, including a cause of action in a
court of law or equity, which may interfere with the exercise of such rights by
any of the Affiliated Companies.
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2.5. The license granted hereby to use the Proprietary Marks is
nonexclusive, and Franchisee agrees that such Proprietary Marks are and shall
remain the property of CHC and shall not be contested as to ownership or
validity by Franchisee. Franchisee understands and agrees that the grant of the
license to use the marks is conditioned upon Franchisee's agreement that: (a)
the Proprietary Marks shall be used only in connection with the franchised
business and only in the manner authorized by CHC; (b) Franchisee will not use
the Proprietary Marks as part of its corporate or other legal name, will
identify itself as a franchisee, and will comply with all fictitious name and
other statutes in connection with its use of the Proprietary Marks; (c)
Franchisee will cooperate with CHC in protecting and defending the Proprietary
Marks; and (d) Franchisee will comply with CHC's designations of additions,
deletions, and changes in the Proprietary Marks.
ARTICLE 3. TERM AND RENEWAL.
3.1. Unless sooner terminated or modified as hereinafter provided, the
term of this Franchise shall be 20 years from the date of this Agreement.
3.2. Franchisee is granted the option to renew this Agreement for two
additional consecutive terms of ten years, provided Franchisee complies with all
of the following conditions prior to each such renewal:
A. Franchisee shall not then be in default of any provision of
this Agreement, any amendment hereof, or successor hereto, or any other
agreement between Franchisee and CHC or any of the Affiliated
Companies, and shall have substantially complied with all of the terms
and conditions of such agreements during the initial and/or any prior
renewal terms thereof.
B. Franchisee shall have satisfied all monetary obligations
owed by Franchisee to CHC and any of the Affiliated Companies, and
shall have timely met those obligations throughout the term of this
Agreement.
C. Franchisee shall submit a renewal application to CHC not
less than 24 months nor more than 36 months prior to the end of the
initial term and shall pay with its renewal application a renewal fee
of one-half of the then-current franchise application fee being charged
by CHC for new development, computed on a per room basis.
D. Not less than 12 months prior to the end of the initial
term, Franchisee shall execute CHC's then-current form of commitment
agreement for renewal franchise agreement, which may require, among
other things, that Franchisee's general manager and other employees
comply with CHC's then-current training requirements and that
Franchisee upgrade, at Franchisee's expense, the Hotel to conform to
the then-current
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standards and specifications of CHC, including, without limitation,
such structural changes, remodeling, and redecoration and such
modifications to existing improvements as may be necessary to do so.
E. Franchisee shall execute a general release, in a form
prescribed by CHC, of any and all claims against CHC and all of the
Affiliated Companies, and each of their members, owners, shareholders,
managers, directors, officers, agents, and/or employees; provided,
however, that all rights enjoyed by the Franchisee and any causes of
action arising in its favor from the provisions of any applicable
franchise laws and regulations shall remain in force; it being the
intent of this proviso that any non-waiver provisions of such laws be
satisfied.
Upon expiration of the initial term of this Agreement and provided Franchisee
has met the foregoing conditions and has complied with the upgrading and other
requirements specified in the commitment agreement, CHC shall issue to
Franchisee, CHC's then-current franchise agreement for a ten-year renewal term.
The then-current franchise agreement shall supersede in all respects this
Agreement, and the terms may differ from the terms of this Agreement including,
without limitation, higher royalty and marketing fees; provided, however, that
the renewal fee paid pursuant to Section 3.2.C above shall be in lieu of any
initial franchise fee provided for in the then-current franchise agreement of
CHC.
ARTICLE 4. FEES AND ROYALTIES.
4.1. In consideration of the rights and franchise granted herein,
Franchisee shall pay to CHC each of the following:
A. At the earlier of the execution and delivery of a franchise
application or the execution and delivery of this Agreement by
Franchisee, an initial franchise fee equal to the greater of (i)
$40,000 or (ii) $400 times the number of rooms of the Hotel as
specified on Exhibit A hereto. Franchisee acknowledges and agrees that
such fee has been fully earned and is nonrefundable in consideration of
expenses incurred, rights granted, services rendered, and other
valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is
acknowledged by Franchisee.
B. Beginning during the Fiscal Period (as defined in Section
10.1 below) immediately following the opening of the tenth System
Hotel, a continuing Fiscal Period royalty fee of 4% of Franchisee's
Room Revenues (as defined in Section 4.3 below) at the Hotel for the
next 26 Fiscal Periods thereafter, and following such 26 Fiscal
Periods, the continuing Fiscal Period royalty fee shall be 5% of
Franchisee's Room Revenues during the remaining term of this Agreement.
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C. A contribution to the Marketing Fund (as defined in Section
9.3 below), administered by the IACHO Marketing Committee (as defined
in Section 9.3 below) for the System as provided in Section 9.3 below,
on a Fiscal Period basis of 2.5% of Franchisee's Room Revenues at the
Hotel, subject to adjustment from time to time upon a majority vote by
members of The International Association of Candlewood Hotel Owners
("IACHO"). Association members in good standing under the rules
governing the association shall be provided at least 30 days advance
notice of, and an opportunity to vote on, any proposed adjustment. A
majority vote, as required to approve any adjustment in the
contribution to the Marketing Fund, shall mean a number of votes equal
to or greater than the majority of all open and operating System
Hotels. CHC shall provide to Franchisee at least 60 days notice prior
to the effective date of any adjustment so approved. CHC further agrees
that it will not exercise the rights granted herein to require
Franchisee to contribute to a Marketing Fund as described in this
section and in section 9.3 of this Agreement, without first seeking
approval of the assessment of Marketing Fund Fees from the members of
the International Association of Candlewood Hotel Owners voting in the
manner provided in Article 9.4 of this Agreement.
4.2. All Fiscal Period payments required by Sections 4.1.B and 4.1.C
shall be due to CHC and Marketing Fund, respectively, by the 15th day after the
end of the fiscal Period in which such Room Revenues were received by
Franchisee, and shall be submitted to CHC together with any report required
under Article 10 hereof. Any payment or report not actually received by CHC on
or before such date shall be deemed overdue unless postmarked at least five days
prior to the date it was due. If any payment is overdue, Franchisee shall pay to
CHC immediately upon demand the overdue amount together with interest on such
amount from the date it was due until paid, at the lesser of 1.5% per month or
the maximum rate permitted by law. Franchisee acknowledges that nothing
contained in this Section shall constitute an agreement by CHC to accept such
payments after the same are due or a commitment by CHC to extend credit to, or
otherwise finance Franchisee's operation of, the Hotel. Franchisee acknowledges
that Franchisee's failure to pay all such amounts when due shall constitute
grounds for termination of this Agreement, as provided in Section 14.1.E of this
Agreement, notwithstanding the provisions of this Section . The entitlement to
such late charge shall be in addition to any other remedies CHC may have.
4.3. As used in this Agreement, "Room Revenues" shall mean all revenues
attributable to or payable for the use, occupancy, or rental of rooms at the
Hotel, including barter and credit transactions (before commissions and
discounts for credit cards), whether or not collected, proceeds from any
business interruption insurance or other loss of income insurance applicable to
loss of revenues due to the non-availability of guest rooms, and proceeds for
guaranteed no- show revenue which is collected, but excluding sales taxes, room
taxes, or other taxes collected by Franchisee from customers for transmittal to
appropriate taxing authorities. "Room Revenues" shall be accounted for in
accordance with the Uniform System of Accounts for Hotels, Eighth Revised
Edition, 1986, as published by the Hotel Association of New York City,
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Inc., except as otherwise provided in the accounting procedures set forth in the
Manual; subject, however, to the right of CHC to designate any subsequent
edition or to designate a reasonable alternative accounting system if, in CHC's
judgment, the 1986 edition is no longer authoritative or its use otherwise is
not advisable under then current hotel accounting practice. In no event shall
any charges to guests attributable to items and services which are required by
the System to be included within the rates for lodging accommodations be
excluded or deducted in determining Room Revenues. Franchisee shall not
sacrifice Room Revenues to further any other business activity.
ARTICLE 5. HOTEL CONSTRUCTION AND OPENING.
5.1. Prior to commencing construction of the Hotel under this
Agreement, Franchisee shall have completed or satisfied all of the following:
A. If Franchisee is obtaining the site for the Hotel by lease
or installment land contract, Franchisee shall submit to CHC with a
request for approval, prior to execution by Franchisee, the lease or
installment land contract for the proposed site, which must not contain
any provision that is inconsistent with or interferes with the
performance of any provision of this Agreement (which lease or
installment land contract must include provisions (i) authorizing CHC
to enter the premises and make any modifications necessary to protect
the Proprietary Marks, (ii) granting to CHC the right (but not the
duty) to assume the lease or installment land contract if Franchisee is
in default under its terms and provisions and/or if this Agreement
expires or is terminated, (iii) requiring concurrent notice from lessor
or vendor to CHC of any default or termination, and (iv) in the case of
a lease, providing for a term of at least 20 years including option
periods in favor of Franchisee), which lease or installment land
contract, when approved by CHC, shall not thereafter be materially
modified without the prior written consent of CHC. Under no
circumstances shall CHC have any obligation or liability under such
lease or installment land contract.
B. Submit to CHC with a request for approval, prior to
preparation of design development documents for the building, a site
layout showing (i) the dimensions of the site at the Approved Location;
(ii) the location of the site in relation to streets and other
thoroughfares and adjoining properties; (iii) placement of the Hotel on
the site; (iv) proposed drives, parking, and service areas; and (v)
such other information as may be reasonably required by CHC, which site
layout, when approved by CHC, shall not thereafter be materially
modified without the prior written consent of CHC.
C. Submit to CHC with a request for approval, after the site
layout for the Hotel has been approved by CHC, complete design
development documents for the building prepared by a registered
architect or engineer in compliance with all applicable
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laws, regulations, and ordinances which design development documents,
when approved by CHC, shall not thereafter be materially modified
without the prior written consent of CHC.
D. Submit to CHC with a request for approval, after the design
development documents for the buildings have been approved by CHC,
final building plans and specifications prepared by a registered
architect or engineer in compliance with all applicable laws,
regulations, and ordinances which plans and specifications, when
approved by CHC, shall not thereafter be materially modified without
the prior written consent of CHC.
E. Provide to CHC satisfactory evidence that all permits,
licenses, and certifications required for the lawful construction and
operation of the proposed Hotel, including, without limitation, all
applicable building permits, zoning access, sign and fire requirements,
have been obtained.
F. Provide to CHC insurance certificates satisfying the
applicable requirements set forth in Article 12 of this Agreement.
G. Provide to CHC evidence that Franchisee possesses or has
obtained adequate financing for constructing, furnishing, and operating
the Hotel.
H. Such other information as CHC may reasonably request.
5.2. Franchisee shall commence construction of the Hotel before the
date 120 days after the date of this Agreement. Franchisee may, upon payment to
CHC of an extension fee of $1,000 per extension, obtain up to four 30-day
extensions of the date upon which Franchisee was to commence construction of the
Hotel. Any further extensions shall be granted only in CHC's sole discretion and
upon payment of such additional extension fees as CHC deems appropriate in its
sole discretion. Commencement of construction shall be deemed to have occurred
on the date that grading, excavation, or similar site preparation begins at the
Approved Location. Franchisee shall provide written notice to CHC of the date of
commencement of construction within ten days after it occurs.
5.3. Within three months after the commencement of construction,
Franchisee shall submit to CHC with a request for approval a final interior
design plan, including standards and specifications for furnishings, fixtures,
and equipment, prepared by a qualified interior designer, which interior design
plan, when approved by CHC, shall not be materially modified without the prior
written consent of CHC. As used in Sections 5.1.B, 5.1.C, 5.1.D, and this
Section 5.3, the term "materially modified" shall mean any modification which
would (a) change the size or dimensions of any public areas, guest rooms, or
amenities of the Hotel, (b) adversely affect
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the appearance or design of any portion of the Hotel or the quality of the
materials used therein, or (c) constitute a departure from the concept or
standards of the System.
5.4. Franchisee shall diligently and continuously prosecute the
construction, furnishing, and equipping of the Hotel (including its acquisition
and installation of all fixtures, equipment, furnishings, furniture, signs,
supplies, and other items necessary for completion and opening of the Hotel) in
accordance with the plans previously approved by CHC and in accordance with the
Manual, but in any event the construction, furnishing, and equipping of the
Hotel shall be completed within 12 months after the date of commencement of
construction of the Hotel. Franchisee acknowledges and understands that time is
of the essence in the construction and opening of the Hotel, and notwithstanding
the occurrence of any events constituting force majeure, or any other cause, the
construction shall be completed and the Hotel shall be furnished, equipped, and
shall otherwise be made ready to open for business, and all governmental
licenses and permits (including a certificate of occupancy) necessary to operate
the Hotel under the System shall have been obtained by Franchisee, at the end of
such 12-month period. Franchisee may, upon payment to CHC of an extension fee of
$5,000 per extension, obtain up to four 30-day extensions of the date upon which
Franchisee was to complete the construction, furnishing, and equipping of the
Hotel. Any further extensions shall be granted only in CHC's sole discretion and
upon payment of such additional extension fees as CHC deems appropriate in its
sole discretion.
5.5. Franchisee agrees that CHC and its agents shall have the right
(without, however, any duty or obligation to do so) to inspect the construction
of the Hotel at all reasonable times.
5.6. CHC's exercise of its rights to approve the plans and
specifications and to inspect construction of the Hotel shall be solely for the
purpose of assuring compliance with System standards and with the terms and
conditions of this Agreement, and CHC shall have no liability or obligation to
Franchisee or any other person with respect to construction of the Hotel.
5.7. No later than five months prior to the expected opening of the
Hotel, Franchisee shall submit to CHC, for its prior approval, Franchisee's
direct sales and marketing plan.
5.8. No later than 120 days prior to the expected opening of the Hotel,
Franchisee shall employ a qualified general manager for the Hotel. No later than
90 days prior to the expected opening of the Hotel, Franchisee shall employ a
qualified director of sales for the Hotel.
5.9. The Hotel shall be opened for business immediately upon
satisfaction of all of the following requirements:
A. All furnishings, furniture, equipment, signs, supplies, and
other items required for the opening of the Hotel in accordance with
this Agreement and the
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standards of CHC shall have been installed or completed, and Franchisee
shall have submitted to CHC, a certificate of occupancy or equivalent
certificate from appropriate regulatory authorities. Opening with less
than all of the improvements completed may be approved by CHC, such
approval not to be unreasonably withheld by CHC if the foregoing
requirements are satisfied as to all portions of the Hotel premises to
which guests will have access and Franchisee is proceeding diligently
toward completion of the full Hotel facility in accordance with the
terms of this Agreement.
B. Franchisee's general manager and director of sales for the
Hotel shall have completed to CHC's satisfaction a training program
conducted by CHC, and Franchisee shall have employed qualified
personnel sufficient to operate the Hotel.
C. Franchisee shall have paid all sums due CHC and the
Affiliated Companies.
D. Franchisee is not in default under this Agreement, or any
existing franchise agreement or other agreement with CHC or any of the
Affiliated Companies.
E. Franchisee has submitted to CHC a certification executed by
the architect of the Hotel or such other person as is acceptable to CHC
that the Hotel has been constructed, completed, furnished, and equipped
in accordance with the plans previously approved by CHC and in
accordance with the Manual, that all other terms and conditions
relating to the opening of the Hotel have been satisfied and the Hotel
is ready to open for business as a Hotel.
F. CHC shall be satisfied as to Franchisee's compliance with
requirements necessary for opening the Hotel by such on-site inspection
and investigation as CHC deems appropriate, which shall be made and
completed within 15 days of receipt of the certificate of Franchisee
pursuant to Section 5.8.E above. Nothing under this Section 5.09.F
shall in any manner relieve Franchisee of the obligation of complying
with the requirements of the approved plans or the terms of this
Agreement.
5.10. Franchisee acknowledges and understands that Franchisee shall
bear the entire cost of the development and construction of the Hotel,
including, without limitation, all costs applicable to design, engineering, and
other professional services, contractors, financing, licenses, permits,
equipment, furnishings, and supplies.
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ARTICLE 6. DUTIES OF CHC.
In addition to the other obligations and duties set forth in this
Agreement, CHC agrees as follows:
6.1. CHC shall provide to Franchisee a set of then-current prototype
plans and specifications (not for construction) as determined by CHC for a
typical System Hotel.
6.2. Upon reasonable request, CHC shall consult with and advise
Franchisee at CHC's home office concerning the construction and operation of the
Hotel.
6.3. CHC shall provide Franchisee on loan one copy of the Manual
setting forth standards of operation for the System and standards of quality,
cleanliness, and service for the Hotel. CHC shall have the right to add to and
otherwise modify the Manual from time to time to reflect changes in the
business, authorized products or services (or specifications therefor),
equipment requirements, quality standards, and operating procedures of the Hotel
as determined by CHC from time to time.
6.4. CHC shall make available to Franchisee and Franchisee's employees
such required and optional training courses, programs, conferences, seminars,
and materials, as CHC deems appropriate. All training shall be conducted at such
locations and at such times as CHC may designate and shall be subject to the
terms and conditions set forth in Section 7.2 of this Agreement.
6.5. CHC shall endeavor to maintain high standards of quality,
cleanliness, appearance, and service for the System, and to that end shall
conduct inspections of the System Hotels, evaluations of the services rendered
therein, and interviews of employees, agents, and customers of System Hotels,
all as CHC deems advisable and appropriate.
6.6. Franchisee acknowledges and agrees that CHC may (but is not
obligated to) make available to all System Hotels a reservation system subject
to the terms and conditions of Section 9.7 of this Agreement.
6.7. Franchisee acknowledges and agrees that CHC may (but is not
obligated to) make available to all System Hotels a property management system
subject to the terms and conditions of Section 7.12 of this Agreement.
6.8. Franchisee acknowledges and agrees that CHC may (but is not
obligated to) make available to all System Hotels a Candlewood Hotel Directory
subject to the terms and conditions of Section 9.6 of this Agreement.
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6.9. Franchisee acknowledges and agrees that any duty or obligation
imposed on CHC by this Agreement may be performed by a designee, employee, or
agent of CHC, as CHC may direct.
6.10. All of the obligations of CHC under this Agreement are to
Franchisee only, and no other party is entitled to rely on, enforce, or obtain
relief for breach of such obligations either directly or by subrogation.
ARTICLE 7. GENERAL DUTIES OF FRANCHISEE.
In addition to the other obligations and duties set forth in this
Agreement, Franchisee agrees as follows:
7.1. Franchisee covenants and agrees to commence, diligently pursue,
and complete construction of the Hotel and open for business in accordance with
Article 5 of this Agreement.
7.2 Franchisee shall employ or retain qualified management personnel as
prescribed in the Manual. All personnel employed or retained by Franchisee in
the position of general manager shall, within four months of employment, attend
and successfully complete, to CHC's satisfaction, CHC's general manager training
program. The four month period may be extended if space in the training program
is not available to Franchisee's personnel during the specified period. All
sales personnel, in addition to the general manager, shall, within four months
of employment, attend and successfully complete, to CHC's satisfaction, CHC's
sales training course. CHC may periodically make available other required or
optional training courses to Franchisee's personnel, other than those mentioned,
as well as other programs, conferences, seminars, and materials, and Franchisee
shall insure that such personnel as CHC may direct, satisfactorily complete any
required training within the time specified. All training shall be provided at
such locations as CHC may designate and Franchisee shall be responsible for
Franchisee's employees' travel expenses and room, board, and wages during the
training. Franchisee will not be charged tuition for the initial training of
Franchisee's first general manager and first director of sales for the Hotel.
Franchisee will be charged reasonable tuition for all other training of
Franchisee's personnel. CHC reserves the right to require, as a condition of
providing training, that personnel employed or retained by Franchisee execute
confidentiality agreements prepared by CHC. CHC reserves the right to limit the
availability of any optional training programs.
7.3. Franchisee expressly acknowledges that adherence to each and every
provision of the System is reasonable, necessary, and essential to maintain the
uniform image and favorable reputation of each Hotel and the success of CHC's
franchise program. Accordingly, Franchisee expressly agrees to comply with each
and every requirement of the System during the term
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hereof, as the same may be modified or supplemented from time to time by CHC in
its sole discretion.
7.4. Franchisee shall provide efficient, courteous, and high-quality
service to the public and shall operate the Hotel 24 hours a day every day
except as otherwise permitted by CHC in writing. Franchisee shall cause the
Hotel to honor all credit cards specified by CHC and enter into such credit card
arrangements with the issuers of such cards as may be necessary to do so.
7.5. Franchisee shall use the Hotel premises solely for the operation
of the franchised business and shall not use or allow the use of the premises
for any other purpose or activity (including, without limitation, the promotion
of any competing business) at any time without the prior written consent of CHC,
which may be granted or withheld in CHC's sole discretion.
7.6. The Hotel and everything located on the Hotel premises shall be
maintained in a clean, safe, orderly and first-class condition in accordance
with the standards specified in the Manual, and consistent with the image of a
clean, sanitary, attractive, safe, and efficiently operated economy
extended-stay hotel. The Hotel shall be constructed, maintained, and operated in
compliance with all applicable fire, safety, health, and sanitation laws,
ordinances, and regulations, and Franchisee shall maintain the highest health
standards and ratings applicable to the Hotel and otherwise maintain high moral
and ethical standards at the Hotel.
7.7. Franchisee shall perform such maintenance of the Hotel as is
required by CHC from time to time to maintain the condition, appearance, and
efficient operation of the Hotel, including, without limitation, (a) continuous
and thorough cleaning and sanitation of the interior and exterior of the Hotel,
(b) interior and exterior repair of the Hotel, (c) maintenance of equipment at
peak performance, (d) replacement of worn out or obsolete improvements,
fixtures, furnishings, equipment, computer systems, software, and signs with
approved improvements, fixtures, furnishings, equipment, computer systems,
software, and signs, and (e) periodic painting and decorating. At CHC's request,
which shall not be more often than once every five years, Franchisee shall
upgrade the Hotel within the time specified by CHC at Franchisee's expense to
conform to the building decor appearance and presentation of Proprietary Marks,
and trade dress consistent with CHC's then-current public image, including,
without limitation, such structural changes, remodeling, and redecoration and
such modifications to existing improvements as may be deemed necessary by CHC.
Except as described above, Franchisee shall make no additions, alterations, or
replacements to the Hotel or anything located on the Hotel premises without the
prior written consent of CHC.
7.8. Franchisee acknowledges and agrees (a) that this franchise and
Franchisee's right under this Agreement are granted for the number of guest
rooms specified herein on Exhibit A, and (b) that Franchisee shall not expand
the number of guest rooms in the Hotel without the prior written consent of CHC.
Should Franchisee propose to increase the number of such guest rooms, a fee
equal to the then-current initial franchise fee per guest room for each
additional
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guest room shall then be paid to CHC with Franchisee's request for approval of
such expansion. Such fee for the expansion shall become nonrefundable upon CHC's
approval of the proposed expansion.
7.9. Franchisee shall, at Franchisee's expense, comply with all
federal, state, and local laws, rules, ordinances, and regulations, and shall
timely obtain, and keep in force as required throughout the term of this
Agreement, any and all permits, certificates, licenses, and approvals necessary
for the full and proper conduct of the business franchised hereunder.
7.10. Franchisee shall notify CHC in writing within five days of the
commencement of any action, suit, or proceeding, and of the issuance of any
inquiry, subpoena, order, writ, injunction, award, or decree of any court,
agency, or other governmental instrumentality, arising out of, concerning, or
which may affect the operation or financial condition of the franchised
business, including, without limitation, any criminal action or proceeding
brought by Franchisee against employees, customers, or other persons.
7.11. Franchisee shall pay when due all taxes levied or assessed in
connection with the possession, ownership, or operation of the Hotel and all
taxes payable on royalties and other payments made to CHC or to any of the
Affiliated Companies (excluding income taxes payable by CHC or any of the
Affiliated Companies). In the event of any bona fide dispute respecting any tax
assessed against Franchisee, the Hotel, any personal property located therein,
or any payments due to CHC or any of the Affiliated Companies, Franchisee may
contest the validity or amount of the tax in accordance with procedures of the
taxing authority; provided, however, that Franchisee shall act with all due
diligence and shall in no event permit a tax sale or seizure against the Hotel
or any equipment, goods, or property located therein, or any impoundment of
payments due to CHC. Franchisee recognized that Franchisee's failure or repeated
delays in making prompt payment in accordance with the terms of any agreements,
leases, invoices or statements for purchase or lease of furniture, fixtures,
equipment, inventories, supplies, travel agent services, or other goods and
services will be detrimental to the reputation of Franchisee, CHC, and other
System franchisees. Franchisee shall timely pay when due all amounts owed by
Franchisee in connection with the operation of the Hotel.
7.12. If and when CHC makes available an automated property management
system for System Hotels, Franchisee shall install, maintain, and use the
automated property management system as developed and promulgated (in the Manual
or otherwise in writing) by CHC. Franchisee shall reimburse CHC for Franchisee's
equitable pro rata share of CHC's cost of developing and maintaining such
software, including, without limitation, enhancements, additions, substitutions,
or other modifications provided to the System by CHC.
7.13. If the Franchisee is at any time a corporation, limited liability
company, or partnership, Franchisee agrees and represents that:
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A. Franchisee has the authority to execute and deliver this
Agreement and to perform its obligations thereunder and is duly
organized or formed and validly existing in good standing under the
laws of the state of its formation or organization.
B. Franchisee's organizational documents or partnership
agreement will recite that the issuance and transfer of the ownership
interests of Franchisee are restricted by the terms and conditions of
this Agreement, and all certificates and other documents representing
an ownership interest in Franchisee will bear a legend referring to the
restrictions of this Agreement.
C. Exhibit B to this Agreement will completely and accurately
describe all of the owners of Franchisee and their beneficial ownership
interests in Franchisee.
D. Each of the owners of Franchisee at any time during the
term of this Agreement will sign an agreement in the form that CHC
prescribes undertaking to be bound jointly and severally by all
provisions of this Agreement and any ancillary agreements between CHC
or any of the Affiliated Companies and Franchisee, and that a material
breach of such agreement shall be deemed a material breach of this
Agreement. Franchisee and its owners agree to sign and deliver to CHC
such revised Exhibits B as may be necessary to reflect any changes in
the information contained therein within five days following the
occurrence thereof and to furnish such other information about
Franchisee's organization or formation as CHC may request.
E. Franchisee shall furnish CHC with its articles or
certificate of incorporation, bylaws, and partnership or limited
liability documentation or similar organization documents, and any
other documents CHC may reasonably request, and any amendments thereto
or restatements thereof.
7.14. If the Hotel (or any of the premises on which the Hotel is
located) is condemned or damaged by casualty, Franchisee agrees as follows:
A. Franchisee shall, at the earliest possible time, give CHC
full notice of any proposed taking of the Hotel or surrounding premises
by eminent domain or condemnation. If the Hotel is condemned or so
taken or such a substantial portion of the Hotel is condemned or so
taken as to render impractical the continued operation of the Hotel in
accordance with System standards, then in such event, this Agreement
shall terminate upon notice by CHC to Franchisee, and CHC shall share
in the condemnation or eminent domain award to the extent of the then
net present value of its lost royalty income (using a discount rate
equal to the prime rate for corporate loans at major U.S. money center
commercial banks as published in the "Money Rates" table of The Wall
Street Journal on the date of the award, or if such rate is no longer
published another similar index selected by CHC). If a non-substantial
condemnation shall occur, then in
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such event, Franchisee shall promptly make whatever repairs and
restoration may be necessary to make the Hotel conform substantially to
its former, character, and appearance according to plans and
specifications approved by CHC, and the resumption of normal operation
of the Hotel shall not be unreasonably delayed by Franchisee.
B. If the Hotel is damaged or destroyed by fire or other
casualty, Franchisee shall repair the damage without delay. If the
casualty requires closing the Hotel, Franchisee shall (i) immediately
notify CHC, (ii) commence reconstruction and repair as soon as
practicable, but in any event within 120 days after the closing of the
Hotel, (iii) repair or rebuild the Hotel in accordance with the
then-current System standards and specifications, and (iv) reopen the
Hotel for continuous operations under the System as soon as
practicable, but in any event within 12 months after closing the Hotel.
Franchisee shall give CHC at least 90 days advance written notice of
the date of such reopening.
C. The closing of the Hotel due to condemnation or casualty
shall not extend the term of this Agreement.
ARTICLE 8. QUALITY CONTROL AND SUPERVISION.
8.1. Franchisee agrees that substantial uniformity of quality at all
System Hotels is necessary and desirable for purposes of establishing and
protecting the shared identity, reputation, and goodwill associated with the
System and the Proprietary Marks. In order to better accomplish these
objectives, Franchisee agrees that:
A. The Hotel shall be operated in strict conformity with such
standards, specifications, methods, and techniques as CHC may, from
time to time, prescribe in the Manual, and Franchisee shall refrain
from deviating therefrom and from otherwise operating in any manner
which adversely reflects on the System, the Proprietary Marks, the
goodwill associated therewith, or CHC's rights therein.
B. Franchisee shall, at Franchisee's expense, purchase or
lease and install at the Hotel all fixtures, equipment, furnishings,
furniture, a telephone system, facsimile machine, computer systems,
reservation system, signs, supplies, and all other items ("FF&E")
specified by CHC. Franchisee shall refrain from installing in, on, or
about the Hotel, or permitting to be installed, without CHC's prior
written consent, any FF&E, electronic or video games, vending machines
or any other items not previously approved by CHC. The size, form,
color scheme, content (except for prices to be charged), and location
of all signs, advertisements, and graphic materials displayed in any
public area or guest rooms at the Hotel shall be as prescribed in the
Manual or otherwise approved in writing by CHC.
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8.2. The franchised business shall be conducted in accordance with the
Manual, as updated, supplemented, and modified from time to time, receipt of one
current copy on loan from CHC is hereby acknowledged by Franchisee. Franchisee
further acknowledges that establishing, maintaining, and protecting the good
will, reputation, and uniformity of the System requires strict adherence to this
Agreement and the Manual in all respects, it being agreed that every detail is
significant and material. Franchisee shall at all times insure that Franchisee's
copy of the Manual is kept current and up-to-date, and in the event of any
dispute as to the contents of the Manual, the terms of the master copy of the
Manual maintained by CHC at CHC's home office shall be controlling. Franchisee
shall maintain the Manual in a safe and secure location and shall report the
theft or loss of the Manual, or any portion thereof, immediately to CHC.
8.3. Franchisee hereby grants to CHC and its agents the right to enter
upon the premises of the Hotel at any reasonable time for the purpose of
conducting inspections. Franchisee shall (a) provide lodging, if available,
without charge to CHC's agent during such time as may reasonably be necessary to
complete such inspections; (b) cooperate fully with CHC's agents during the
inspections; and (c) take such steps as may be reasonably necessary to correct
any deficiencies detected during such an inspection, upon the written request of
CHC or its agents, within such reasonable time as may be specified therein.
Franchisee shall provide all information requested by CHC for the purpose of
CHC's conducting guest satisfaction audits and surveys.
8.4. If Franchisee develops any products, services, procedures, or
inventions deemed by CHC to be appropriate for use in other System Hotels, it is
understood and agreed that CHC (and other System franchisees) may use such
products, services, procedures, or inventions in other System Hotels without
obligation to compensate Franchisee, it being understood and agreed that the
benefit to the Franchisee from the overall enhancement of the System is
sufficient consideration for granting this right to CHC.
8.5. All marketing and promotion by Franchisee shall be factual,
ethical, and in good taste in the judgment of CHC and shall be subject to CHC's
approval as provided in Section 9.1 of this Agreement. Franchisee shall in all
dealings with its customers, suppliers, CHC, and the public adhere to the
highest standards of honesty, integrity, fair dealing, and ethical conduct.
Franchisee agrees to refrain from any business or advertising practice which, in
the subjective opinion of CHC, may be injurious to the business of CHC and the
goodwill associated with the Proprietary Marks and other System Hotels.
8.6. Within seven days of the receipt by Franchisee of any report from
any health department or other comparable agency, Franchisee shall mail a
complete copy of such report to CHC. Franchisee shall notify CHC in writing
within five days of the commencement of any action, suit, or proceeding, and of
the issuance of any order, writ, injunction, award or decree of any court,
agency, or other governmental instrumentality, which may adversely affect the
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operation or financial condition of Franchisee or the Hotel or of any notice of
violation of any law, ordinance, or regulation relating to health or sanitation.
8.7. CHC may from time to time suggest rates for lodging accommodations
and prices for the goods and other services offered by Franchisee. CHC and
Franchisee agree that the rates and prices suggested by CHC are recommendations
only and are not mandatory. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be deemed
a representation or warranty by CHC that the use of CHC's suggested prices shall
produce, increase, or optimize profits.
ARTICLE 9. ADVERTISING.
Franchisee and CHC recognize the value of advertising and the
importance of the standardization of advertising programs to the furtherance of
the goodwill and public image of the System. In order to better accomplish these
objectives, the parties agree as follows:
9.1. All advertising, marketing, and sales materials used by Franchisee
in any medium shall be conducted in such manner, and shall conform to such
standards and requirements, as CHC may specify. By written notice to Franchisee,
CHC may request that franchisee submit to CHC for its prior written approval
(except with respect to prices to be charged), samples of all advertising,
marketing, and sales plans and materials and all other materials displaying the
Proprietary Marks that Franchisee desires to use which have not been prepared or
previously approved by CHC; provided, however, that no such deemed approval
shall relieve Franchisee from complying with the requirements of Section 8.5 of
this Agreement.
9.2. Franchisee shall obtain listings at Franchisee's expense in the
yellow and white pages of local telephone directories. Franchisee shall also pay
its share of the cost of any multiple-hotel local telephone book advertising.
9.3. CHC may, in its sole discretion, establish a Marketing,
Advertising and Direct Sales Fund (hereinafter, the "Marketing Fund"). The
Marketing Fund will be administered by a committee of not less than three
persons nor more than seven selected by a majority vote of the members of the
International Association of Candlewood Hotel Owners (IACHO) (hereinafter, the
"Marketing Committee"). Franchisee and all franchisees of the System shall be
members of IACHO and each member shall be entitled to the same number of votes
as the number of hotels for which such member then has open and operating. The
members of the Marketing Committee shall be elected at each annual meeting of
the IACHO. Any vacancies in the Marketing Committee shall be filled by a person
designated by the board of directors of the IACHO. The Marketing Fund will be
used by the Marketing Committee to meet any and all costs of developing and
preparing national, regional, point of sale, and local direct sales advertising
materials for use within the System, including, without limitation, costs
associated with developing, preparing, directing, administering, maintaining,
and disseminating advertising,
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marketing, promotional, and public relations materials; conducting marketing
research; maintaining a national sales and marketing staff and related expenses;
and preparing, producing, broadcasting, and disseminating advertising and
promotions, including, without limitation, radio, television, newspaper, and
magazine advertising, market surveys, public relations activities, and
employment of advertising agencies. The Marketing Committee shall choose and
determine the nature, theme, and timing of advertising and the kind and quality
of advertising materials to be provided to franchisees through the Marketing
Fund. All payments, plus income earned therefrom, shall be used exclusively for
the above-stated purposes, shall be maintained in an account separate from CHC
funds, and shall not be used to defray any of CHC's expenses. CHC shall, for
each of its company-owned System Hotels, make contributions to the Marketing
Fund at the same percentage of Room Revenues required of franchisees within the
System. The Marketing Committee or its designee shall direct all advertising,
marketing, and direct sales promotional programs and activities, with sole
discretion over the concepts, materials, and media used in such programs and
activities and the placement and allocation thereof. Franchisee acknowledges
that the intent of the Marketing Fund shall be to maximize general public
recognition, direct sales programs, and acceptance of the Proprietary Marks for
the benefit of the System, and the Marketing Committee or its designee shall
have no obligation, in administering the Marketing Fund, to make expenditures
for Franchisee which are equivalent or proportionate to any payments by
Franchisee or to ensure that any particular franchisee or any particular
franchised location benefits directly or pro rata from advertising or promotion
conducted under the Marketing Fund.
9.4. As long as this Agreement remains effective, Franchisee shall be a
member of The International Association of Candlewood Hotel Owners (hereinafter
"IACHO") or such successor association as may be sanctioned by CHC to serve as
an advisory council to CHC with respect to advertising, marketing, reservations,
and other matters relating to System Hotels. All franchisees of the System and
CHC shall be members of IACHO. As a member of IACHO, Franchisee shall have the
following rights and obligations:
A. Franchisee shall pay to IACHO all dues and assessments
authorized by IACHO and shall otherwise maintain its membership in
IACHO in good standing ("good standing" means IACHO dues and
assessments are current and Franchisee has not been given a notice of
its default under this Agreement). Such fees shall be consistently
applied to all franchisees in the System and CHC-owned Hotels.
B. On all matters on which members of IACHO in good standing
are authorized to vote under this Agreement and Bylaws of IACHO, each
franchisee member shall be entitled to one vote for each System Hotel
it has in operation and CHC shall be entitled to one vote for each
System Hotel operated by CHC for itself or for parties who are not
franchisees.
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C. CHC will, as it deems advisable, seek the advice and
counsel of IACHO, its board of directors, and committees. IACHO's
committees and their functions and membership will be subject to
approval in writing by CHC, which approval will not be unreasonably
withheld. Recognizing that IACHO must function in a manner consistent
with all franchises of the System, the parties will cause the governing
rules of IACHO to be consistent with this Agreement.
9.5. If CHC determines, in its sole discretion, to publish a Candlewood
Hotels Directory, Franchisee agrees to list the Hotel in the Candlewood Hotels
Directory and to furnish to CHC such information as CHC may request for that
purpose. Franchisee understands and acknowledges that the success and utility of
the Candlewood Hotels Directory may require that it contain information
concerning rates for lodging accommodations; that Franchisee shall have sole
discretion in determining any rates for the Hotel which appears in each
Candlewood Hotels Directory; and that CHC assumes no liability for, nor shall
CHC be deemed liable by reason of, any failure by Franchisee or CHC's other
franchisees to honor any Candlewood Hotels Directory rates for the period during
which each Candlewood Hotels Directory is in effect. If rates are required to be
included in the Candlewood Hotels Directory listing for the Hotel, seasonal and
other rate changes or differentials shall be specified, upon Franchisee's
request. Franchisee agrees not to charge higher rates than those that Franchisee
causes to be published in the Candlewood Hotels Directory and to comply with
such other requirements with respect to the Candlewood Hotels Directory as may
be specified from time to time in the Manual.
9.6. If CHC determines, in its sole discretion, to create and maintain
a reservation system for System Hotels, Franchisee shall participate in the
reservation system, and shall observe all terms and conditions of participation
specified by CHC. Franchisee shall purchase, install, and maintain at the Hotel
all equipment necessary for participation in the reservation system provided by
CHC, including a reservation terminal and related equipment and software and any
future enhancements, additions, substitutions, or other modifications specified
by CHC in the Manual or otherwise in writing. Franchisee shall also be
responsible for telephone line charges for connecting Franchisee's reservation
equipment to the reservation system and for the cost of supplies used in the
operation of the equipment and for all other related expenses.
ARTICLE 10. FINANCIAL REPORTING.
10.1. Franchisee shall, in the manner and form specified by CHC in the
Manual or otherwise in writing, prepare on a current basis (and preserve for at
least 5 years from the date of preparation) complete and accurate books and
records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles concerning
Room Revenues and all financial, operating, marketing, and other aspects of the
Hotel and the franchised business, and maintain an accounting system which fully
and accurately reflects all financial aspects of the Hotel, the franchised
business, and Franchisee. Such books and records shall include, but not be
limited to, books of account, tax
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returns, governmental reports, register tapes, daily and other periodic reports,
and complete quarterly and annual financial statements (profit and loss
statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements). Franchisee's obligation
to preserve such books and records shall survive the termination or expiration
of this Agreement. Unless otherwise directed by CHC in the Manual, Franchisee
shall maintain a fiscal year consisting of the 52-53 week period ending on the
Friday nearest December 31 of each calendar year (hereinafter, the "Fiscal
Year"), and the Fiscal Year shall have 13 fiscal periods (hereinafter, the
"Fiscal Periods") which are the four-week periods ending on the 4th, 8th, 12th,
16th, 20th, 24th, 28th, 32th, 36th, 40th, 44th, 48th, and the last Friday of the
Fiscal Year (or five-week period with respect to the 13th Fiscal Period of
certain Fiscal Years). The fiscal quarters of the Fiscal Year shall consist of
accounting periods of 12, 12, 12, and 16 or 17 weeks, respectively (hereinafter,
the "Fiscal Quarters").
10.2. On or before the 15th day of each Fiscal Period, Franchisee shall
submit to CHC a statement (in such form and detail as CHC may require from time
to time) reflecting the computation of all amounts then due under Section 4.1 of
this Agreement. The statement shall include information for the preceding month
as to Room Revenues, other revenues, expenses, occupancy and room rates data,
reservation data, and such other information as CHC may require.
10.3. Franchisee shall submit to CHC as soon as available but not later
than 90 days after the end of Franchisee's Fiscal Year, at Franchisee's expense,
a full and complete audited statement in writing setting forth the Room Revenues
and the computation of all amounts paid by Franchisee under Section 4.1 of this
Agreement for such Fiscal Year. Such statement shall be prepared in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles, consistently applied, and shall
be accompanied by a report from an independent certified public accountant
reasonably satisfactory to CHC that the statement has been examined in
accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. In addition, at CHC's
request, Franchisee shall submit to CHC true copies of all state sales tax
returns relating to sales made at the Hotel at the same time the returns are
filed with state authorities, and such other records as CHC may reasonably
request from time to time, including, without limitation, state and federal
income tax returns of Franchisee.
10.4. CHC or its representatives, at CHC's expense, shall at all
reasonable times have the right to inspect or audit the books, accounts,
records, returns, and statements of Franchisee. The foregoing records may
include, but are not limited to, state and federal income tax returns, credit
card or any other third party charge account statements, and any bank, savings
and loan, brokerage, or other financial checking, money market, or savings
account used for the franchised business. Franchisee shall fully cooperate with
CHC and its representatives or agents conducting such inspections or audits and,
upon request, Franchisee shall submit a written response to any issues raised in
connection with said audits. In the event a discrepancy between reported Room
Revenues and actual Room Revenues is uncovered in any audit conducted pursuant
to this Section for any reporting period (monthly, quarterly, or annually),
Franchisee shall promptly pay the amount determined to be owing and, if the
discrepancy exceeds 2% of
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reported Room Revenues, Franchisee shall reimburse CHC for all costs of the
audit, including travel, lodging, and wages of personnel of CHC or third parties
required to conduct such audit. Franchisee shall also promptly reimburse CHC for
the cost of any audit (including salaries, travel, and living expenses)
necessitated by Franchisee's failure to file any financial report due hereunder
and any deficiency in royalties or Marketing Fund contributions disclosed by
such audit. At CHC's option, Franchisee shall also immediately pay to CHC
interest on the understated amount due from the date such amount was due until
paid at the lesser of 1.5% per month or the maximum rate permitted by applicable
law. The foregoing remedies shall be in addition to any other remedies CHC may
have. Submission by Franchisee of more than two written statements of Room
Revenues which under-report Room Revenues for any reporting period by 2% or more
(regardless of any subsequent cure) shall constitute a material breach of this
Agreement entitling CHC, at its option, the right to terminate this Agreement
pursuant to Section 14.1.C of this Agreement.
10.5. Franchisee hereby authorizes all banks and/or other financial
institutions with which Franchisee does business to disclose to CHC any
requested financial information in their possession relating to the Hotel.
Franchisee further authorizes CHC to disclose such information to prospective
Franchisees and state regulatory agencies, provided that such information is not
identified as relating to the Hotel unless required by law or regulation and
then only if CHC requests that such identification be held in confidence.
ARTICLE 11. PROPRIETARY MARKS AND TRADE SECRETS; COMPETITION.
11.1. Franchisee acknowledges that ownership of all right, title, and
interest in the System and all parts thereof, including, without limitation, the
Proprietary Marks and the design, decor, and image of all System Hotels, is and
shall remain vested solely in CHC. Franchisee expressly disclaims any right,
title, or interest therein or in any goodwill derived therefrom. Franchisee's
license to use the System, and any part thereof, is personal to Franchisee, and
Franchisee shall not license, sublicense, or allow the System, or any part
thereof, to be used by any other person, firm, or business association without
CHC's prior written approval. All uses of the System by Franchisee inure to the
benefit of CHC.
11.2. Franchisee shall not, directly or indirectly, at any time during
the term of this Agreement or thereafter, do, cause or suffer to be done any act
or thing disputing, attacking, or in any way impairing or tending to impair the
right, title, or interest of CHC in the Proprietary Marks or the System.
Franchisee shall immediately notify CHC in writing of all infringements or
imitations of the Proprietary Marks, and CHC shall exercise absolute discretion
in deciding what action, if any, should be taken. Franchisee shall fully
cooperate with CHC in the prosecution of any action to prevent the infringement,
imitation, or illegal use of the Proprietary Marks and agrees to be named as a
party in any such action at CHC's request. CHC shall bear any and all legal
expenses incident to Franchisee's participation, at CHC's
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request, in any action to prevent the infringement or illegal use of the
Proprietary Marks, except for the cost of any legal counsel separately retained
by Franchisee. Except as expressly provided in this Section , CHC shall not be
liable to Franchisee for any damages, costs, expenses, loss of profits or
business opportunities, or incidental or consequential damages of any kind or
nature whatsoever relating to any action involving the Proprietary Marks.
11.3. Franchisee shall use the Proprietary Marks as the sole
identification of the Hotel; provided, however, that in all public records and
in its relationship with other persons, on stationery, business forms, checks,
or as otherwise required by CHC, Franchisee shall indicate Franchisee's
independent ownership of the Hotel. Franchisee shall file so-called assumed name
or doing business certificates with local or state authorities, as required by
applicable law, showing its independent ownership of the Hotel. In no event
shall Franchisee use the Proprietary Marks in connection with the sale of any
product or service not authorized for sale at the Hotel. The Franchisee shall
not license, sublicense, or allow the Proprietary Marks to be used by any other
person or business entity without CHC's prior written approval. In adopting any
corporate, proprietorship, or partnership name, Franchisee shall not use the
Proprietary Marks or any variation or abbreviation thereof, or any words
confusingly similar thereto. Franchisee has no right to register any of the
Proprietary Marks. If it becomes advisable at any time in CHC's sole discretion
for CHC and/or Franchisee to modify or discontinue use of the Proprietary Marks,
and/or use one or more additional or substitute trade or service Proprietary
Marks, Franchisee agrees to comply therewith within a reasonable time after
written notice thereof by CHC.
11.4. Franchisee further acknowledges and agrees as follows:
A. CHC possesses certain confidential information, including,
without limitation, (i) the design for Systems Hotels, (ii) methods of
service and operations at System Hotels, (iii) knowledge of sales and
profit performance at any one or more System Hotels, (iv) knowledge of
test programs, concepts or results relating to new advertising and
promotional programs, (v) sources of suppliers of equipment, (vi)
advertising, promotion, and marketing techniques, (vii) methods and
information regarding the selection and training of managers and other
employees for System Hotels, and in general, methods, techniques,
formats, specifications, procedures, information systems, and
knowledge, in the operation and franchising of hotels. All of the
foregoing are hereinafter referred to as the "Trade Secrets".
B. CHC will disclose the Trade Secrets to Franchisee in
furnishing Franchisee with standard plans for the Hotel, in the Manual
and any temporary operating manuals, by providing training to
Franchisee hereunder, and in the performance of CHC's other obligations
and the exercise of its other rights under this Agreement. Franchisee
hereby agrees that all materials lent or otherwise made available to
Franchisee by CHC and all disclosures made to Franchisee hereunder
including, without limitation, the Manual and
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other confidential commercial information identified as such by CHC are
trade secrets of CHC and shall be kept confidential and used by Franchisee
only in the operation of the Hotel. Franchisee will not, nor permit anyone
else to, reproduce, copy, or exhibit any portion of the Manual or any
other confidential or proprietary information received from CHC.
Franchisee shall not divulge any such Trade Secrets to any person other
than Franchisee's employees and then only to the extent necessary for the
operation of the Hotel.
C. Franchisee shall acquire no interest in the Trade Secrets, other
than the right to utilize them in the development and operation of the
Hotel during the term of this Agreement. The use or duplication of the
Trade Secrets in any other business will constitute an unfair method of
competition. The Trade Secrets are proprietary and are disclosed to
Franchisee in confidence and solely on the condition that Franchisee
agrees, and Franchisee hereby agrees that Franchisee (i) will not use the
Trade Secrets in any other business or capacity; (ii) will maintain the
absolute confidentiality of the Trade Secrets during and after the term of
this Agreement; (iii) will not make unauthorized copies of any portions of
the Trade Secrets disclosed in written form, including, without
limitation, any plans, the Manual, bulletins or supplements and additions
thereto; and (iv) will operate and implement all reasonable procedures
prescribed from time to time by CHC to prevent the unauthorized use and
disclosure of the Trade Secrets. Franchisee shall immediately notify CHC
of any unauthorized use of disclosure of the Manual or any of the Trade
Secrets or if the Manual or any other manuals or materials containing any
Trade Secrets are lost or stolen.
D. The foregoing restrictions on Franchisee's disclosure and use of
Trade Secrets shall not apply to information, processes, or techniques
that are or become generally known and used by other similar hotels, other
than through disclosure (whether deliberate or inadvertent) by Franchisee,
and disclosure of Trade Secrets in judicial or administrative proceedings
to the extent that Franchisee is legally compelled to disclose such
information, provided, Franchisee shall have used his best efforts, and
shall have afforded CHC the opportunity, to obtain an appropriate
protective order or other assurance satisfactory to CHC of confidential
treatment for the information required to be so disclosed.
11.5. During the term of the Franchise Agreement, and for a period of two
years after any transfer or termination of the Franchise Agreement for any
reason, Covenantors shall not compete, or be associated, directly or indirectly
as an owner, officer, director, employee, consultant, or otherwise, in any
hotel, motel, or any other business, that provides lodging accommodations on a
daily-stay basis with kitchen facilities and limited (not on a daily basis) maid
service at a moderate to economy price, anywhere in the world, which shall
expressly include, but shall not be limited to, the United States of America and
all its territories and possessions, and all other countries in North America.
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11.6. Unless the context otherwise requires, the term "Franchisee" as used
in this Article shall include, individually and collectively, all partners,
officers, directors, and managers of Franchisee, and holders, directly or
indirectly (and any partners, officers, directors, and managers of any such
holder), of five percent or more of the beneficial interest in Franchisee.
11.7. At CHC's request, Franchisee shall require and obtain execution of a
Covenant Agreement in the form substantially similar to that attached hereto as
Exhibit C, except for reasonable changes as may be necessary to comply with
applicable law, from time to time (including a Covenant Agreement applicable
upon the termination of a person's relationship with Franchisee) from any or all
of the following persons: (a) all officers, directors, and holders of a
beneficial interest of five percent or more of the securities of (i) Franchisee
and (ii) any corporation directly or indirectly controlling Franchisee, if
Franchisee is a corporation; (b) the general partners and any limited partners
(including any corporation or other entity, and the officers, directors, and
holders of a beneficial interest of five percent or more of the securities of
such corporation or other entity which controls, directly or indirectly, any
general or limited partner), if Franchisee is a partnership; and (c) the
managers and members (including any corporation or other entity, and the
officers, directors, and holders of a beneficial interest of five percent or
more of the securities of any corporation or other entity which controls,
directly or indirectly, any member or manager), if Franchisee is a limited
liability company. Failure by Franchisee to obtain execution of the Covenant
Agreement required by this Section , or to deliver such Covenant Agreement to
CHC, shall constitute a material breach of this Agreement.
11.8. Franchisee shall require every person employed as general manager or
director of sales of the Hotel to devote full time to such employment and to
agree to be bound by the restrictions set forth in this Article. Franchisee
shall also take all reasonable steps to require other employees to be bound by
the confidentiality provisions of this Article, and, if requested by CHC, to be
bound by the noncompetition provisions hereof. Upon CHC's request, Franchisee
shall promptly provide copies of all such agreements to CHC.
11.9. Franchisee shall not employ or seek to employ any person who is or
was within the immediate past six months employed by CHC, any of the Affiliated
Companies, or any other System franchisee or induce or seek to induce any such
person to leave his or her employment without the consent of such employee's
current employer. CHC shall not employ or seek to employ any person who is or
was within the immediate past six months employed by Franchisee or induce or
seek to induce any such person to leave his or her employment. These
restrictions shall not apply if the employee obtains written consent from his or
her previous employer before making application for new employment. Any party
violating the provisions of this Section shall pay to the former employer as
liquidated damages (which the parties agree are difficult of ascertainment) an
amount equal to two times the annual salary of the employee involved, plus all
costs and attorneys fees incurred by the former employer in connection with such
default. The parties hereto agree that each current and future franchisee in the
System shall be a third party beneficiary of the provisions of this Section ,
and shall be entitled to enforce the provisions
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hereof. CHC shall have no obligation to enforce the provisions of this Section
for the benefit of any current or future franchisee in the System.
11.10. In the event any provision of this Article is deemed by a court of
competent jurisdiction to be more restrictive than permissible at law or equity,
then Franchisee agrees that the provisions hereof may be reformed and modified
and enforced by such court to the maximum extent permissible under applicable
law and principles of equity. Franchisee agrees that specific performance and
injunctive relief are necessary and appropriate remedies for violations of this
Article and agrees to the enforcement of such remedies, but without prejudice to
the right of CHC to recover money damages, which are in no event a full and
adequate remedy for such violations.
ARTICLE 12. INSURANCE AND INDEMNITY.
12.1. During the term of this Agreement, Franchisee shall comply with all
insurance requirements of any lease, mortgage, or deed of trust covering the
Hotel as well as all insurance requirements of CHC as set forth in the Manual
from time to time. All insurance shall be procured as the earliest possible time
that Franchisee has an insurable interest with respect thereto, and shall be
written by insurance companies acceptable to CHC. At a minimum, Franchisee shall
maintain the following:
A. Comprehensive-commercial general liability insurance, in an
occurrence form, including premises, products/completed operations,
contractual liability, independent contractors, automobile liability
(owned, non-owned, and hired vehicles), liquor liability (if Franchisee
distributes, sells, serves, or furnishes alcoholic beverages), and
personal injury liability, with a combined single limit in the amount of
$10,000,000 per occurrence, and $15,000,000 in the aggregate, naming CHC
and its members, the Affiliated Companies, and each of their respective
owners, shareholders, managers, agents, representatives, officers,
directors, employees, partners, and other affiliates (except for CHC, all
of the foregoing entities and individuals are hereinafter collectively
referred to as the "Indemnitees") as additional insureds.
B. Workers' compensation insurance as required by applicable law,
employer's liability insurance with $1,000,000 minimum coverage, and such
other insurance as may be required by applicable law.
C. Insurance on the Hotel (including furniture, fixtures, equipment,
boiler and machinery) against such risks as CHC may specify, including
fire, lightning, vandalism, malicious mischief, flood (if located in a
flood hazard zone), earthquake (if available and the cost is not
excessive) and all other risks covered by the special extended coverage
endorsements, in an amount equal to full replacement value thereof.
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D. Business interruption covering loss of profits and necessary
continuing expenses, including coverage for payments of royalty fees and
contributions to the Marketing Fund, for any interruption in Franchisee's
business operations.
E. Fidelity bond coverage on all Hotel employees in an amount not
less than $250,000.
F. During any significant construction at the Hotel (including the
initial construction of the Hotel), Franchisee shall maintain or cause the
general contractor to maintain with a reputable insurer (i)
comprehensive-commercial general liability insurance, in an occurrence
form, including premises, contractual liability, automobile liability
(owned, non-owned, and hired vehicles), products/completed operations, and
independent contractors coverage, in at least the amount of $10,000,000
per occurrence and $15,000,000 in the aggregate, naming CHC and the
Indemnitees as additional insureds, (ii) workers' compensation as required
by applicable law, employer's liability insurance with $1,000,000 minimum
coverage, and such other insurance as may be required by law, and (iii)
builder's risk property insurance of not less than the full contract
price.
G. Such other insurance as may be customarily carried by other hotel
operators on hotels similar to the Hotel.
12.2. All policies of insurance (a) shall be written on a fully insured
basis with no deductibles in excess of $25,000 nor any self-insured retentions,
(b) shall be specifically endorsed to provide that the coverages will be primary
and that any insurance carried by any additional insured, including CHC and/or
the Indemnitees, shall be excess and non-contributory, (c) shall contain a
waiver of any rights of subrogation against CHC and the Indemnitees, and (d)
contain a severability of interest provision in favor of CHC and the
Indemnitees. At all times during the term of this Agreement, Franchisee will
furnish to CHC certificates of insurance evidencing the term and limits of
coverage in force, names of applicable insurers, and persons insured, and a
statement that coverage may not be canceled, altered, or permitted to lapse or
expire without 30 days' advance written notice to CHC. Revised certificates of
insurance shall be forwarded to CHC each time a change in coverage or insurance
carrier is made by Franchisee, and/or upon renewal of expired coverages. At
CHC's option, Franchisee may be required to provide certified insurance policy
copies. CHC may increase the minimum protection or coverage requirements of any
policy required under this Article, and may require different or additional
kinds of insurance at any time to reflect inflation, identification of special
risks, changes in law or standards of liability, higher damage awards or other
relevant changes in circumstances. Franchisee acknowledges and understands that
CHC makes no representation or warranty with respect to the adequacy or
sufficiency of the insurance required under this Article, and that Franchisee
shall have the sole responsibility to determine whether additional insurance or
higher limits are appropriate.
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12.3. If Franchisee does not obtain and maintain the insurance coverage
required by this Agreement, as revised from time to time by the Manual or
otherwise in writing, CHC may, but shall not be obligated to, procure such
insurance, and the cost or expense thereof, together with a reasonable fee for
CHC's expenses in so acting, shall be payable by Franchisee immediately upon
demand.
12.4. Franchisee shall indemnify, hold harmless, and promptly reimburse
CHC and the Indemnitees for, from, and against any and all fines, damages, legal
fees, costs, expenses, and other liabilities suffered or incurred by CHC and/or
the Indemnitees by reason of any actual or threatened claim, demand, lawsuit,
tax, penalty, investigation, or other proceeding (even where CHC's and/or
Indemnitee's negligence or other wrongful conduct is alleged) arising directly
or indirectly from, as a result of, or in connection with (a) the development,
construction, operation, condition, use, occupancy, or sale of the Hotel, (b)
any occurrence at or on the Hotel premises, (c) any environmental matters of any
kind pertaining to the Hotel, (d) any breach of any terms and provisions of this
Agreement by Franchisee, and (e) any offering of securities, units, or other
ownership interests of Franchisee, including, without limitation, the violation
of any federal and/or state securities laws. Upon CHC's request, Franchisee
shall defend CHC and/or Indemnitees against all such matters. In any event, CHC
shall have the right, through counsel of its choice, to control any matter to
the extent CHC reasonably determines that such matter may have a significantly
adverse effect on CHC and/or the Indemnitees. Franchisee shall also indemnify
and promptly reimburse CHC for all expenses reasonably incurred by CHC to
protect itself from, or to remedy, any breach of this Agreement by Franchisee.
Franchisee's indemnity obligations under this Agreement shall survive the
expiration or other termination of this Agreement and shall be in addition to
all other rights and remedies of CHC. Franchisee's obligations to indemnify CHC
under this Section shall not be limited in any way by reason of any insurance
which may be maintained by CHC, nor shall Franchisee's performance of its
obligation to maintain insurance relieve Franchisee of liability under this
indemnity provision or be construed to be a limitation on the amount of
Franchisee's indemnity obligations. The right of CHC and the Indemnitees to
indemnity under this Agreement shall arise notwithstanding that joint or
concurrent liability may be imposed on CHC and/or the Indemnitees by statute,
ordinance, regulation, or other law.
12.5. Franchisee shall notify CHC in writing within five days of receipt
of notice or knowledge of any claim, dispute, loss or damage, real or alleged,
arising from Franchisee's activities in, at or around the Hotel, whether or not
such claim names CHC. Franchisee has no authority to, and shall not, accept any
service of process on behalf of CHC, any of the Affiliated Companies, or the
Indemnitees.
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ARTICLE 13. TRANSFER OF INTEREST OR MANAGEMENT.
13.1. CHC shall have the right to transfer or assign all or any part of
its rights or obligations herein to any person or legal entity.
13.2. The rights and duties set forth in this Agreement are personal to
Franchisee and are granted in reliance on the individual and collective business
skill, financial capacity, and personal character of Franchisee and its
principals. Accordingly, neither Franchisee nor any immediate or remote
successor to any part of Franchisee's interest in this franchise, nor any
individual, partnership, corporation, or other legal entity which directly or
indirectly owns any interest in such entity, in the franchise or in the
Franchisee, shall sell, assign, transfer, convey, give away, pledge, mortgage,
or otherwise encumber any interest in this franchise or in Franchisee without
the prior written consent of CHC, which consent shall not be unreasonably
withheld by CHC. Any purported assignment or transfer, by operation of law or
otherwise, not having the written consent of CHC required by this Section shall
be null and void and shall constitute a material breach of this Agreement, for
which CHC may then terminate in accordance with Section 14.1.C without
opportunity to cure. If a transfer, alone or together with other previous,
simultaneous, or proposed transfers, would have the effect of transferring a
controlling interest (as reasonably determined by CHC) in this franchise or in
Franchisee, CHC, in its sole discretion, may require any or all of the following
as conditions of its approval:
A. All of Franchisee's accrued monetary obligations to CHC and the
Affiliated Companies and all other outstanding obligations related to the
franchised business shall have been satisfied.
B. Franchisee shall not be in default of any provision of this
Agreement, any amendment hereof or successor hereto, or any other
agreement between Franchisee and CHC, or the Affiliated Companies.
C. The transferor shall have executed a general release, in a form
prescribed by CHC, of any and all claims against CHC, the Affiliated
Companies, and the Indemnitees, in their corporate and individual
capacities, including, without limitation, claims arising under federal,
state and local laws, rules, and ordinances; provided, however, that all
rights enjoyed by the Franchisee and any causes of action arising in its
favor from the provisions of any applicable franchise laws and regulations
shall remain in force; it being the intent of this proviso that any
non-waiver provisions of such laws be satisfied.
D. The transferee (and, if transferee is other than an individual,
such owners of a beneficial interest in the transferee as CHC may request)
shall enter into a written assignment and assumption agreement, in a form
satisfactory to CHC, assuming and agreeing to discharge all of
Franchisee's obligations under this Agreement.
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E. The transferee (or, if transferee is other than an individual,
all owners of any beneficial interest in transferee) shall demonstrate to
CHC's satisfaction that transferee meets CHC's educational, managerial,
and business standards; possesses a good moral character, business
reputation, financial capacity, and credit rating; has the aptitude and
ability to conduct the business franchised herein (as may be evidenced by
prior related business experience or otherwise); and has adequate
financial resources and capital to operate the business.
F. The transferee (and, if transferee is other than an individual,
such owners of a beneficial interest in the transferee as CHC may request)
shall execute, for a term ending on the expiration date of this Agreement
and with such renewal term as may be provided by this Agreement, the
standard form franchise agreement then being offered to new System
franchisees and such other ancillary agreements as CHC may require for the
franchised business, which agreements shall supersede this Agreement in
all respects, and the terms of which may differ from the terms of this
Agreement; provided, however, that the transferee shall not be required to
pay any initial franchise fee and the royalties and marketing and
advertising contributions payable pursuant to Section 4.1 of this
Agreement shall remain the same.
G. Franchisee shall remain liable for all of the obligations to CHC
in connection with the franchised business prior to the effective date of
the transfer and shall execute any and all instruments reasonably
requested by CHC to evidence such liability.
H. At the transferee's expense, the transferee or, if requested by
Franchisee and consented to by CHC, the transferee's manager shall
complete any training program then in effect for franchisees upon such
terms and conditions as CHC may reasonably require.
I. Except in the case of a transfer pursuant to Section 13.5 of this
Agreement or a transfer to a corporation, partnership, or limited
liability company formed by the Franchisee for the convenience of
ownership and not involving a change of beneficial ownership, which
transfer meets the conditions set forth in Section 13.4 of this Agreement,
Franchisee shall pay to CHC a transfer fee in an amount equal to $5,000,
to cover CHC's administrative and other expenses in connection with the
transfer.
13.3. Franchisee shall grant no security interest, lien, mortgage, or deed
of trust on any or all of the real estate or fixtures of the Hotel unless the
secured party, lienholder, mortgagee, or beneficiary of the deed of trust
provides CHC with a non-disturbance agreement as to such real estate and/or
fixtures of the Hotel in form and substance reasonably acceptable to CHC.
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13.4. In the event that the Franchisee proposes, subsequent to the
execution of this Agreement, to transfer this franchise to a corporation,
partnership, or limited liability company formed by Franchisee, CHC's consent to
such transfer shall be conditioned upon satisfaction of and compliance with
Section 7.13 of this Agreement and to the following additional requirements:
A. Franchisee shall be the owner of all of the voting stock,
interests, or units of the corporation, partnership, or limited liability
company; and, if Franchisee is more than one individual, each individual
shall have the same proportionate ownership interest in the corporation,
partnership, or limited liability company as he had in Franchisee prior to
the transfer.
B. All transferors shall execute a written agreement personally
guaranteeing the full payment and performance of Franchisee's obligations
to CHC from the date of transfer and agreeing to be bound by all the terms
and conditions of this Agreement.
C. Transferee shall comply with all of the terms and conditions set
forth in Sections 13.2.A through 13.2.I of this Agreement.
13.5 If Franchisee is a natural person, his or her interest in the
franchise and this Agreement may pass to his or her estate at death, or to his
or her legal representative if Franchisee adjudicated to be legally
incapacitated, if adequate provision has been made, in the sole discretion of
CHC, for management of the Hotel and if the executor, administrator, or other
legal representative promptly advises CHC and assumes Franchisee's obligations
under this Agreement in writing. The estate may, with CHC's consent, which will
not be unreasonably withheld, transfer its interest in the franchise and this
Agreement to any one or more of the following if the transferee assumes
Franchisee's obligations under this Agreement in writing: the decedent's spouse,
parent, sibling, niece, nephew, descendant, or spouse's descendant. If an
interest in Franchisee is owned by a natural person, his or her interest in the
Franchisee may pass to his or her estate at death, or to a legal representative
in the event of legal incapacity, if adequate provision has been made, in the
sole discretion of CHC, for management of the Hotel and if the executor,
administrator, or other legal representative promptly advises CHC. The estate
may, with CHC's consent, which will not be unreasonably withheld, transfer the
interest in Franchisee to any one or more of the following if the transferee(s)
assumes in writing, on a continuing basis, the decedent's guarantee of
Franchisee's obligations under this Agreement: the decedent's spouse, parent,
sibling, niece, nephew, descendant, or spouse's descendant. If the death or
legal incapacity of the Franchisee or a person owning an interest in Franchisee
results in a transfer of a controlling interest as defined in Section 13.2 of
this Agreement, in addition to any consent given in accordance with the
foregoing, approval of transfer to a transferee in the manner provided in
Section 13.2 must be obtained within one year after the date of death or legal
incapacity.
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13.6. Securities, units, or other ownership interests in Franchisee may be
offered by public or private offering, or otherwise, only with the prior written
consent of CHC (whether or not CHC's consent is required under Section 13.2 of
this Agreement), which consent CHC may grant or withhold in its sole discretion
based solely upon what CHC deems to be in its best interests. All materials
required for such offering by federal or state law shall be submitted to CHC for
review prior to their being filed with any governmental agency; and any
materials to be used in any exempt offering shall be submitted to CHC for review
prior to their use. No Franchisee offering shall imply (by use of the
Proprietary Marks or otherwise) that CHC is participating in an underwriting,
issuance, or offering of Franchisee or CHC securities, and CHC's review of any
offering shall be limited solely to the subject of the relationship between
Franchisee and CHC. Franchisee and the other participants in the offering must
fully indemnify CHC in connection with the offering. For each proposed public
offering, Franchisee shall pay to CHC a nonrefundable fee of $20,000, or such
greater amount as is necessary to reimburse CHC for its reasonable costs and
expenses associated with reviewing the proposed offering, including, without
limitation, legal and accounting fees. For each private offering of securities,
Franchisee shall pay to CHC a fee in a reasonable amount determined by CHC to
reimburse CHC for time and expense associated with reviewing and approving or
disapproving the proposed private offering. Franchisee shall give CHC written
notice at least 90 days prior to the date of commencement of any offering or
other transaction covered by this Section . Fees required by this Section are in
addition to transfer fees otherwise required by this Article. Franchisee agrees
that it will not make a public offering of securities unless and until (a) CHC
has first made a public offering of its securities or three years after June 11,
1996, whichever is sooner, and (b) Franchisee has opened and is operating at
least five Candlewood Hotels, and CHC agrees that it will not unreasonably
withhold its consent to a public offering by Franchisee at any time after these
conditions are satisfied.
13.7. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in this
Article, Franchisee may transfer not more than an aggregate of 25% of the
outstanding voting shares, units, or ownership interests of a Franchisee
operating as a corporation, partnership, or limited liability company to
employees of Franchisee who are actively engaged in the Hotel operations, if
such transfers, alone or together with other previous, simultaneous, or proposed
transfers, do not have the effect of transferring a controlling interest (as
reasonably determined by CHC) in the Franchisee. The ownership of such shares,
units, or ownership interests by such employees will be subject to all of the
terms and conditions of this Agreement, including, without limitation, Articles
11 and 13 of this Agreement. Franchisee shall provide CHC with written notice of
any such proposed transfer and all pertinent information regarding the same not
later than 30 days prior to the proposed date of transfer. In addition, the
parties agree that, notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in this
Article, equity ownership interests in Franchisee owned by passive investors may
be transferred in amounts not exceeding 10% of the outstanding equity interests
in Franchisee without prior notice to or approval from CHC. For purposes of this
Agreement, "passive investor" shall mean any natural or legal person who (a)
owns in the aggregate not more than 10% of the outstanding equity interests in
Franchisee; (b) is not
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engaged directly, or indirectly through agents or employees, in management or
operations of the Franchisee as an officer, director, manager, general partner,
employee, consultant, or other similar or analogous capacity; (c) has no
agreements or understandings of any nature, directly, or indirectly, to act in
concert with any other person to participate in management or act in concert in
the purchase or sale or voting of equity interests in Franchisee; and (d) is not
related by blood or adoption to any nonpassive investor or officer, director or
manager of Franchisee as a parent, child, grandparent, grandchild, brother or
sister or by marriage to any person of such degree of kinship. Notwithstanding
this paragraph, Franchisee agrees to provide to CHC at any reasonable time upon
CHC's request the names, addresses, and ownership interests of Franchisee's
equity owners, and CHC shall have the right to inspect Franchisee's stock
ledgers or other ownership records at any reasonable time upon request. Passive
investors shall not be required to sign CHC Covenant Agreements, provided,
however, that their participation in any business that would satisfy the
definition of "passive investor" as stated above.
13.8. Franchisee shall not engage any management company to operate the
Hotel without the prior written approval by CHC of the management company, which
consent shall not be unreasonably withheld by CHC. Nevertheless, in order to be
approved by CHC, a proposed management company must be deemed by CHC, in its
reasonable judgment, qualified to manage the Hotel. CHC may refuse to approve
any proposed management company which, in CHC's reasonable judgment, is not
financially capable or responsible, is inexperienced or unqualified in
managerial skills or operatorial capacity or capability, or is otherwise unable
to adhere fully to the obligations and requirements of this Agreement. CHC may
also withhold its approval if the proposed management company does not provide
CHC with all information that CHC may reasonably request in order to reach such
decision. It is understood that confidential information and materials are, in
the normal course of business, imparted to System franchisees and managers, and
CHC will be under no obligation to approve a proposed management company or
replacement management company that is a franchisor or owner, or is affiliated
or associated with the franchisor or owner, of a hotel trade name which is
competitive with CHC, irrespective of the number of hotels operating under such
trade name. When CHC has approved in principle the management company nominated
by Franchisee, Franchisee shall have the right to negotiate and execute a
management agreement with such management company for the management and
operation of the Hotel, subject to the terms, conditions, and obligations of
this Agreement. Prior to such manager's assuming rights thereunder, the
management agreement shall be submitted to CHC for CHC's written approval, which
shall not to be unreasonably withheld. Such management agreement shall include
provisions providing that (a) the manager shall have the authority and
responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Hotel, (b) the Hotel will be
operated during the term of the management agreement in such a manner as shall
not detract from or modify the requirements of this Agreement or otherwise
adversely affect the operation and management of the Hotel, (c) that the manager
shall accept, abide by, and be subject to all rules, regulations, inspections,
and requirements of CHC set forth in this Agreement and (d) that if there is a
conflict between the management agreement and the terms of this Agreement, then
this Agreement shall govern and control.
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13.9. CHC's consent to a transfer of any interest in the franchise granted
herein shall not constitute a waiver of any claims it may have against the
transferring party, nor shall it be deemed a waiver of CHC's right to demand
exact compliance with any of the terms of this Agreement by the transferee.
ARTICLE 14. DEFAULT AND TERMINATION.
This Agreement may not be terminated except as provided in this Agreement.
Termination of this Agreement shall not relieve Franchisee of any unfulfilled
obligations to CHC created hereunder unless it is so agreed by CHC in writing.
14.1. This Agreement may be terminated as follows:
A. Upon the expiration of its term, or by CHC in the case of a
condemnation of a substantial portion of the Hotel in accordance with
Section 7.14 of this Agreement..
B. Upon the mutual agreement of the parties in writing to a
termination.
C. At CHC's option, effective immediately upon the giving of written
notice to Franchisee, if Franchisee (i) fails to open the franchised Hotel
and commence operations within the time schedule established under Article
5 of this Agreement; (ii) ceases to operate the Hotel or otherwise
abandons the business, or forfeits the legal right to do business in the
jurisdiction where the Hotel is located; (iii) is convicted of a felony or
other crime involving moral turpitude, consumer fraud, or crime or offense
CHC believes is likely to have an adverse effect on Franchisee's ability
to carry out the duties imposed by this Agreement or to have an adverse
effect on the System and the goodwill associated therewith; (iv) transfers
(including transfers following death or incompetency) of any rights or
obligations in violation of the terms of Article 13 of this Agreement; (v)
misuses or discloses confidential information in violation of Article 11
of this Agreement; (vi) knowingly makes any false statements in any report
or document submitted to CHC; (vii) submits more than two written
statements of Room Revenues which under-report Room Revenues for any
reporting period by 2% or more; (viii) suffers a final judgment to remain
unsatisfied or of record for 30 days or longer (unless supersedeas bond is
filed), or has execution levied against Franchisee's business or property,
or any suit is filed to foreclose any lien or mortgage against the
premises or equipment and not dismissed within 30 days; or (ix) becomes
insolvent or has a receiver appointed to take possession of Franchisee's
business or property or any part thereof or makes a general assignment for
benefit of creditors.
D. At CHC's option, without notice, in the event Franchisee shall
become bankrupt or become subject to a proceeding under any chapter of the
United States
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Bankruptcy Code, unless Franchisee shall: (i) timely undertake to reaffirm
the obligations under the Agreement, (ii) timely comply with all
conditions as legally may be imposed by CHC upon such an undertaking to
reaffirm the Agreement, and (iii) timely comply with such other conditions
and provide such assurance as may be legally required in or under relevant
provisions of the United States Bankruptcy Code; provided, however, that
the parties acknowledge that this Agreement constitutes a personal
services contract made in reliance on the qualifications and personal
characteristics of Franchisee and its directors, officers, managers,
shareholders, members, or partners, as the case may be, and in the
expectation of a material degree of personal involvement in the management
and operation of the franchised business, and consequently, the parties
agree that any attempt by any other party, including a trustee in
bankruptcy or any other third party, to assume or accept a transfer or
assignment of this Agreement shall be void, and that in no event shall
this Agreement or any rights or duties of Franchisee hereunder, be
transferred to any individual or entity who does not comply with all
requirements for transfer specified in this Agreement.
E. At the election of CHC, effective upon the expiration of 30 days
after giving of written notice, in the event Franchisee defaults, and does
not cure to CHC's reasonable satisfaction within the 30-day notice period,
in the performance of any other covenant or provision of this Agreement,
including without limitation, the obligation to pay when due any financial
obligation to CHC, the obligation to make reports and provide information
when due hereunder, or failure to maintain any of the standards or
procedures prescribed for the franchised business in this Agreement, the
Manual, or otherwise; provided, however, that Franchisee shall be entitled
to notice and opportunity to cure any such default only once in any
six-month period, and any subsequent occurrence of the same or
substantially similar default within such six-month period shall entitle
CHC, at its option, to terminate this Agreement effective immediately upon
the giving of notice and without opportunity to cure.
F. At the election of Franchisee, effective upon the expiration of
90 days after written notice, if after operating the Hotel for 26 Fiscal
Periods Franchisee, acting in good faith and after using all reasonable
and diligent efforts to operate the Hotel in a profitable manner, is
unable to operate the franchised Hotel at a profit.
G. At the election of the Franchisee, effective upon the expiration
of three months after the written notice to the franchisor, which notice
may be given at any time after the Hotel has been open and operating for
36 consecutive months. To be effective, such notice must be accompanied by
payment of a termination fee equal to the total of all royalty fees and
marketing fund fees (if any) owed by Franchisee for the 26 fiscal periods
preceding the notice. The giving of a termination notice by Franchisee
shall also terminate all further rights of the Franchisee under
Franchisee's Development
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Agreement, but shall not effect Franchisee's rights under any other then
existing Franchise Agreement with CHC.
14.2. No forbearance of CHC from asserting any default or giving any
permitted notice of termination shall constitute a waiver of such default or
right to terminate or an estoppel against such right as to any continuing
default or subsequent occurrence of a default, whether similar or dissimilar in
nature to the prior default. The rights of CHC to terminate this Agreement are
in addition to, and not in lieu of, other remedies available at law or equity
for defaults by Franchisee in the payment and performance of its obligations
hereunder.
ARTICLE 15. OBLIGATIONS UPON TERMINATION.
Upon the termination of this Agreement for any reason, all rights granted
hereunder to Franchisee shall terminate; and
15.1. Franchisee shall immediately and permanently cease to operate the
franchised business, and shall not thereafter, directly or indirectly, represent
itself to the public or hold itself out as a franchisee of CHC.
15.2. Franchisee shall immediately and permanently discontinue the use of
all Proprietary Marks, all similar names and marks, or any other designation or
▇▇▇▇ indicating or tending to indicate that Franchisee is or was a franchisee of
CHC. Franchisee shall promptly amend or terminate any filings or registrations
with any governmental authorities containing or pertaining to the use of CHC's
name and Proprietary Marks. Franchisee shall not promote or advertise the fact
that it was formerly a franchisee of CHC.
15.3. Franchisee shall surrender and transfer to CHC or its designee any
and all rights to use the telephone numbers and other business listings used by
Franchisee for the franchised business. Franchisee agrees to cooperate and
execute any and all documents required to effect transfer of the telephone
numbers and other business listings from Franchisee to CHC or its designee.
15.4. Franchisee shall immediately turn over to CHC all materials,
including, without limitation, the Manual and all other manuals, all customer
and supplier lists, marketing materials, instructions, and brochures, and any
and all other materials relating to the operation of the franchised business in
Franchisee's possession, custody, or control, and all copies thereof (all of
which are acknowledged to be CHC's property), and shall retain no copy or record
of the foregoing, excepting only Franchisee's copy of this Agreement and of any
correspondence between the parties, and any other documents which Franchisee
reasonably needs for compliance with any provision of law.
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15.5. Franchisee shall immediately and permanently discontinue all
advertising as a franchisee of CHC, including but not limited to removal of all
signs and other identifying marks and colors, and shall destroy or surrender to
CHC any letterheads, forms, printed matter, and advertising containing CHC's
Proprietary Marks and any similar or related names marks or designations tending
to indicate that Franchisee is or was an authorized franchisee of CHC.
15.6. Franchisee shall, at its expense, immediately make such
modifications or alterations as may be necessary to distinguish the Hotel so
clearly from its former appearance and from other System Hotels as to prevent
any possibility of confusion therewith by the public, and to prevent the
operation of any business at the location of the Hotel by Franchisee or others
in derogation of this Section (including, without limitation, removal of all
distinctive physical and structural features identifying Hotel in the System and
removal of all signs and emblems, and changing of telephone numbers and other
directory listings). Franchisee shall, at Franchisee's expense, make such
specific additional changes as CHC may reasonably request for this purpose. If
Franchisee fails to initiate immediately and complete such alterations when
required by hereunder, Franchisee agrees that CHC or its designated agents may
enter the Hotel and adjacent areas, and hereby grants CHC an irrevocable license
and permit to go upon the Hotel premises for such purposes, at any time to make
such alterations, at Franchisee's sole risk and expense, without responsibility
for any actual or consequential damages to the property of Franchisee or others.
Franchisee acknowledges that such actions by CHC are authorized and permitted
and shall not be deemed a violation of any civil or criminal law or any basis
for an action under such laws by Franchisee or others. Franchisee expressly
acknowledges that its failure to make such alterations will cause irreparable
injury to CHC, and consents to entry, at Franchisee's expense, of an ex parte
order by any court of competent jurisdiction authorizing CHC or its agents to
take such action, if CHC seeks such an order.
15.7. Franchisee shall immediately and permanently cease using CHC's
System, including, but not limited to the Manual, any other operating or
training manuals or aids, advertising and promotional materials, and all
confidential material delivered to Franchisee pursuant to this Agreement.
15.8. CHC shall have the right, at its sole option, for a period of 60
days following termination, to purchase at Franchisee's cost all usable
materials owned by Franchisee bearing the Proprietary Marks, and/or to purchase
Franchisee's office equipment, furniture, fixtures and moveable signs used in
the Hotel or at the Approved Location at their fair market value. Franchisee
shall not during such 60 day period remove from the Hotel or the Approved
Location, transfer, assign, hypothecate, pledge, or otherwise encumber such
office equipment, furniture, fixtures, and moveable signs.
15.9. Franchisee shall promptly pay all sums owing to CHC and the
Affiliated Companies. In the event of termination for any default of Franchisee,
such sums shall include payment of all damages, costs, and expenses, including
reasonable attorneys' fees, incurred by
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CHC as a result of the default, which obligation shall give rise to and remain,
until paid in full, a lien in favor of CHC against any and all of the personal
property (including, without limitation, signs, equipment, furnishings,
furniture, and supplies) owned and used by Franchisee in connection with the
Hotel at the time of default.
15.10. Franchisee shall pay to CHC all damages, costs, and expenses,
including reasonable attorneys' fees, incurred by CHC in connection with
obtaining injunctive or other relief for the enforcement of any provisions of
this Article.
15.11. Except upon the expiration of the term of this Agreement pursuant
to Article 3, termination by CHC in connection with the condemnation of a
substantial portion of the Hotel pursuant to Section 7.14, or termination by
Franchisee pursuant to Section 14.1.F., Franchisee shall pay to CHC a lump sum
payment (as liquidated damages and not as a penalty or in lieu of any other
payments required under this Agreement) equal to the total of all amounts
required under Article 4 of this Agreement (franchise fees, royalty fees, and
marketing and advertising contributions) for (a) the 26 Fiscal Periods of
operation of the Hotel under the System preceding Franchisee's default, or (b)
if there have not been 26 full Fiscal Periods of actual operation under the
System, then for the period of time the Hotel has been in actual operation under
the System projected over a 26 Fiscal Period basis.
15.12. Termination of this Agreement shall not relieve Franchisee of the
obligations under Article 10 hereof to maintain and preserve financial and other
records and to make them available for inspection and audit by CHC.
15.13. All covenants, obligations, and agreements of Franchisee which by
their terms or by reasonable implication are to be performed, in whole or in
part, after the termination or expiration of the term of this Agreement, shall
survive such termination or expiration.
ARTICLE 16. ADDITIONAL COVENANTS.
16.1. Franchisee agrees and acknowledges that, prior to executing this
Agreement, Franchisee has made such investigation of CHC and the System as
Franchisee deems necessary, that Franchisee understands that the results of
operations of the franchised Hotel are dependent upon the efforts and management
of Franchisee, and Franchisee hereby assumes full responsibility for such
operations.
16.2. It is understood and agreed by all parties hereto that this
Agreement does not create a fiduciary relationship between them; that Franchisee
shall be an independent contractor; and, that nothing in this Agreement is
intended to constitute either party an agent, legal representative, subsidiary,
joint venturer, partner, employee, or servant of the other for the purpose
whatsoever. Nothing in this Agreement authorizes Franchisee to make any
contract,
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agreement, warranty, or representation on CHC's behalf, or to incur any debt or
other obligation in CHC's name or on CHC's behalf; and that CHC shall in no
event assume liability for, or be deemed liable hereunder as a result of, any
such action, or by reason of any act or omission of Franchisee in its conduct of
the franchised business, or any claim or judgment arising therefrom against CHC.
Franchisee agrees that CHC is not in a position to, and does not undertake to,
exercise control over the employment, supervision, or discharge of Hotel
employees; Hotel maintenance; guest safety and health; or other matters arising
out of or affecting Hotel operations, which are within the responsibility of
Franchisee as a qualified independent business operator. Franchisee shall hold
itself out to the public as an independent contractor operating the business
pursuant to a franchise from CHC. Franchisee agrees to take such affirmative
action as may be necessary to do so, including, without limitation, exhibiting a
notice of that fact in a conspicuous place on the premises of the franchised
business, and, as directed by CHC, in Franchisee's advertising and on
Franchisee's agreements, forms, stationery, and promotional materials.
16.3. All payments to CHC hereunder shall be made payable to Candlewood
Hotel Company, L.L.C. and, except as provided in the next sentence, shall be
tendered to CHC in person at the address set forth in Article 18 below, or by
making such payment by mail, postage prepaid, to that address. At CHC's option,
Franchisee shall make payments to CHC hereunder by wire transfer to an account
or accounts specified by CHC. All payments received by CHC from Franchisee shall
be applied to the oldest obligation, regardless of any contrary designation by
Franchisee. Franchisee agrees that Franchisee will not, on grounds of the
alleged non-performance by CHC of any of its obligations hereunder, withhold
payment of any royalties, marketing and advertising contributions, amounts due
to CHC for purchases by Franchisee, or any other amounts due CHC.
ARTICLE 17. APPROVALS AND WAIVERS.
17.1. Whenever this Agreement requires the prior approval or consent of
CHC, Franchisee shall make a timely written request to CHC therefor, and such
approval or consent shall be obtained in writing. Except as otherwise expressly
provided herein, CHC may withhold any consent or approval herein at its
discretion.
17.2. CHC shall have no liability for withholding any consent or approval
or for any delay or inaction in connection therewith, and the granting of any
approval or consent shall not imply or constitute any representation, warranty,
guaranty, or endorsement of the matter approved or consented to or an assumption
of any liability in connection therewith.
17.3. No delay, waiver, omission, or forbearance on the part of CHC to
exercise any right, option, duty, or power arising out of any breach or default
by Franchisee, or any other franchisee, of any of the terms, provisions,
covenants, or conditions hereof shall constitute a
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waiver by CHC to enforce any such right, option, duty, or power as against
Franchisee, or as to subsequent breach or default by Franchisee. Subsequent
acceptance by CHC of any obligations due to it hereunder shall not be deemed to
be a waiver by CHC of any preceding breach by Franchisee of any terms,
provisions, covenants, or conditions of this Agreement.
ARTICLE 18. NOTICES.
Any and all notices required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in
writing and shall be personally delivered, mailed by certified or registered
mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, or sent via a nationally
recognized overnight delivery service, to the respective parties at the
following addresses unless and until a different address has been designated by
written notice to the other party:
Notices to CHC: Candlewood Hotel Company, L.L.C.
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
ATTN: Franchise Department
Notices to Franchisee: Studio West Hotel Development Company, L.L.C.
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
ATTN: ▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, III
Any notice by certified or registered mail or recognized overnight delivery
service shall be deemed to have been given at the date and time of mailing.
ARTICLE 19. ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION.
19.1. Franchisee and CHC agree to submit, prior to arbitration, all
unsettled claims, disputes, controversies, and other matters in question between
them arising out of or relating to this Agreement (including but not limited to
any claim that the Agreement or any of its provisions is invalid, illegal, or
otherwise voidable or void), the dealings or relationship between Franchisee and
CHC, or Franchisee's operation of the Hotel ("Disputes") to mediation in
Wichita, Kansas and in accordance with the Commercial Mediation Rules of the
American Arbitration Association currently in effect. Demand for mediation shall
be made within a reasonable time after cessation of negotiations.
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A. Mediation shall be private, voluntary, and nonbinding. Any party
may withdraw from the mediation at any time before signing a settlement
agreement upon written notice to each other party and to the mediator. The
mediator shall be neutral and impartial. The mediator's fees shall be
shared equally by the parties. The mediator shall be disqualified as a
witness, consultant, expert, or counsel for either party with respect to
the matters in Dispute and any related matters.
B. Unless the parties agree otherwise, the entire mediation process
shall be confidential and without prejudice. The parties and the mediator
shall not disclose any information, documents, statements, positions, or
terms of settlement. Nothing said or done or provided by the parties in
the course of mediation shall be reported or recorded or, except as
ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction, placed in any legal
proceeding or construed for any purpose as an admission against interest.
Nevertheless, evidence otherwise discoverable or admissible is not
excluded from discovery or admission as a result of its use in mediation.
If a Dispute cannot be resolved through mediation, the parties agree to submit
the Dispute to arbitration, subject to the terms and conditions of this Article.
19.2. Subject to Section 19.1 of this Agreement, all Disputes between
Franchisee and CHC will be submitted for binding arbitration to the American
Arbitration Association on demand of either party. Such arbitration proceeding
will be conducted in Wichita, Kansas and, except as otherwise provided in this
Agreement, will be heard by one arbitrator in accordance with the Commercial
Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. All
matters relating to arbitration will be governed by the federal Arbitration Act
(9 U.S.C. Sections 1 et.seq.) and not by any state arbitration law.
A. The arbitrator will have the right to award or include in his
award any relief which he deems proper under the circumstances, including,
without limitation, money damages (with interest on unpaid amounts from
the date due), specific performance, injunctive relief, and attorneys'
fees and costs, provided that the arbitrator will not have the right to
declare any Proprietary Marks generic or otherwise invalid or to award
exemplary or punitive damages. The award and decision of the arbitrator
will be conclusive and binding upon all parties hereto, and judgment upon
the award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.
B. Franchisee and CHC agree to be bound by the provisions of any
limitation on the period of time in which claims must be brought under
applicable law. Franchisee and CHC further agree that, in connection with
any such arbitration proceeding, each must submit or file any claim which
would constitute a compulsory counterclaim (as defined by Rule 13 of the
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure) within the same proceeding
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as the claim to which it relates. Any such claim which is not submitted or
filed as described above will be forever barred.
C. Franchisee and CHC agree that arbitration will be conducted on an
individual, not a class-wide, basis, and that an arbitration proceeding
between Franchisee and CHC may not be consolidated with any other
arbitration proceeding involving Franchisee or CHC and another party.
19.3. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Article,
Franchisee and CHC each have the right in a proper case to obtain temporary
restraining orders and temporary or preliminary injunctive relief from a court
of competent jurisdiction; provided, however, that Franchisee and CHC must
contemporaneously submit the Dispute for non-binding mediation under Section
19.1 and then for arbitration under Section 19.2 under this Agreement on the
merits as provided herein if such Dispute cannot be resolved through mediation.
Franchisee acknowledges that a proper case to obtain temporary restraining
orders and temporary or permanent injunctive relief from a court of competent
jurisdiction contemporaneously with submitting the Dispute to mediation and then
to arbitration shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
A. Any Dispute involving actual or threatened disclosure or misuse
of the contents of the Manual or any other confidential information or
Trade Secrets of CHC;
B. Any Dispute involving the ownership, validity, use of, or right
to use or license the Proprietary Marks;
C. Any action by CHC to enforce the covenants set forth in Article
11 and Article 13 of this Agreement; and
D. Any action by CHC to stop or prevent any threat or danger to
public health or safety resulting from the construction, maintenance, or
operation of the Hotel.
The provisions of this Article are intended to benefit and bind certain third
party non-signatories and will continue in full force and effect subsequent to
and notwithstanding the expiration or termination of this Agreement.
ARTICLE 20. ENTIRE AGREEMENT.
This Agreement, the documents referred to herein, and the attachments
hereto, if any, constitute the entire, full, and complete Agreement between CHC
and Franchisee concerning the subject matter hereof, and supersede all prior
agreements. No amendments, change, or variance
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from this Agreement shall be binding on either party unless mutually agreed to
by the parties and executed by their authorized officers or agents in writing.
ARTICLE 21. CONSTRUCTION AND MODIFICATION.
21.1. This Agreement contains the complete expression of the agreement
between the parties and supersedes all previous agreements and understandings
with respect to the Hotel. There are no promises, representations, inducements,
or agreements between them of any nature that are not contained herein. No
change in this Agreement will be valid unless in a writing signed by both
parties. Franchisee acknowledges and agrees that it received ample time and
opportunity to review the Agreement and seek legal counsel with respect to the
terms of this Agreement and the franchise granted hereby and is making this
Agreement based solely on its terms and not on any collateral representation or
promise, including, without limitation, any projections of profits to be
obtained by making this Agreement, which Franchisee acknowledges have not been
made, represented, or warranted to Franchisee.
21.2. This Agreement is governed by and shall be construed in accordance
with the laws of the State of Kansas.
21.3. Should any one or more parts of this agreement be declared invalid
for any reason by a court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not
affect the validity of any remaining portions of the Agreement, which shall
remain in full force and effect as if the Agreement had been executed without
such invalid parts, except to the extent the absence of the provisions
invalidated would frustrate or make it impossible to achieve the purposes for
which the Agreement was made. Should the requirements of any applicable law or
regulation change or modify the terms of this agreement or conflict with its
provisions, such change or modification shall not be applicable to this
agreement unless such change is lawfully mandated by the authority making the
same, in which case only the provisions affected by such law or regulation shall
be affected, and the agreement shall otherwise remain in full force and effect,
as modified to be consistent with such law or regulation.
21.4. This Agreement is made solely for the benefit of the parties hereto
and their respective successors and permitted assigns, and nothing herein shall
create any right to rely upon the terms hereof in favor of any third party nor
confer any right or remedy upon any third party, except as specifically provided
in Section 11.9 of this Agreement.
21.5. All captions in this Agreement are intended solely for the
convenience of the parties, and none shall be deemed to affect the meaning or
construction of any provisions hereof.
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21.6. All terms and words used in this Agreement, regardless of numbers
and genders in which they are used, shall be deemed to include singular or
plural and all genders as the context or sense of this Agreement or any
paragraph or clause herein may require.
21.7. All acknowledgments, promises, covenants, agreements, and
obligations herein made or undertaken by Franchisee shall be deemed jointly and
severally undertaken by all those executing this Agreement on behalf of
Franchisee.
21.8. Time is of the essence of this Agreement and all provisions hereof
shall be so interpreted. Any provision of this Agreement which imposes an
obligation after termination or expiration of this Agreement shall survive such
termination or expiration.
21.9. No right or remedy conferred upon or reserved to CHC or Franchisee
by this Agreement is intended to be, nor shall be deemed, exclusive of any other
right or remedy herein or by law or equity provided or permitted, but each shall
be cumulative of every other right or remedy.
21.10. Nothing herein contained shall bar CHC's right to obtain injunctive
relief against threatened conduct that will cause it loss or damage, under the
usual equity rules, including the applicable rules for obtaining restraining
orders and preliminary injunctions.
21.11. In the event that Franchisee commences any action against CHC with
respect to any Dispute, such action shall be brought only in a federal or state
court sitting within Sedgwick County, Kansas. Franchisee consents to the
exercise of jurisdiction by courts within Sedgwick County, Kansas over any
claims or counterclaims against Franchisee.
21.12. In the event CHC incurs legal fees or costs or other expenses to
enforce any obligation of Franchisee hereunder, or to defend against any claim,
demand, action or proceeding by reason of Franchisee's failure to perform or
observe any obligation imposed upon Franchisee by this Agreement, then CHC shall
be entitled to recover from Franchisee the amount of all legal fees, costs and
expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees, whether incurred prior to, or in
preparation for or contemplation of the filing of any claim, demand, action, or
proceeding to enforce any obligation of Franchisee hereunder or thereafter or
otherwise.
ARTICLE 22. EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT.
22.1. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, which together shall
constitute one agreement of the parties.
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22.2. By signing this Agreement, Franchisee acknowledges that it has
received a complete copy of this Agreement, with any Exhibits referred to herein
attached, at least five business days prior to the date on which this Agreement
was executed, and further acknowledges that it has received CHC's franchise
offering disclosure document required by the trade regulation rule of the
Federal Trade Commission at least ten business days prior to the date on which
this Agreement was executed. Franchisee further acknowledges that no agent or
employee of CHC is authorized to make any representation or warranty
inconsistent with or in addition to the terms of this Agreement or CHC's
offering disclosure document. By signing this Agreement, Franchisee represents
and warrants to CHC that no such representation or warranty, including
specifically any representation as to the potential success or profitability of
the franchised business, has been made or relied upon.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed, sealed, and
delivered this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
CANDLEWOOD HOTEL COMPANY, L.L.C.
DATED: By: /s/ ▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇
----------------- -----------------------------------
Its:
----------------------------------
"CHC"
HILLSBORO STUDIO HOTEL COMPANY, L.L.C.
DATED: July 25, 1996 By: /s/ ▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ III
----------------- ------------------------------------
"Franchisee"
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Exhibit A
CANDLEWOOD HOTEL COMPANY, L.L.C.
FRANCHISE AGREEMENT
APPROVED LOCATION
Street Address: ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇: ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇: Oregon Zip Code: 97124
Number of Guest Rooms at the Approved Location: 126
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Exhibit B
CANDLEWOOD HOTEL COMPANY, L.L.C.
FRANCHISE AGREEMENT
OWNERS OF FRANCHISEE
Beneficial
Interest in
Name of Owner Franchisee
Studio West Hotel Company 98%
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Studio West Hotel Development Co. 2%
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TOTAL 100%
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Exhibit C
CANDLEWOOD HOTEL COMPANY, L.L.C.
FRANCHISE AGREEMENT
COVENANT AGREEMENT
The form of Covenant Agreement currently offered by CHC is attached.
(Refer to Section 11.7 of Franchise Agreement.)
C-1
