BCLP has a world-class reputation as a sophisticated full-service firm of choice for franchisors and with franchisees. We offer a global reach, and pride ourselves in partnering with our clients to offer commercially driven solutions with first class results. We have a strong and cohesive global transactional, regulatory and litigation franchise practice, built on core relationships that goes back several decades.

Transactional

Corporate

Our corporate transactions include billion dollar mergers; acquisitions; securitizations; and spin-off transactions. Our involvement has ranged from full representation of the acquiring or selling parties to being engaged as special counsel by other multinational law firms to conduct detailed and specialized diligence investigations on behalf of acquirors, lenders, investors, and underwriting counsel. Our deep experience enables us to probe the prior activities of companies engaged in franchising and licensing, and to meticulously and efficiently assess the level of legal compliance or non-compliance, analyze and report on the risks and potential exposure facing these companies, and provide advice and strategies for addressing and resolving these risks.

Regulatory Inquiries and Investigations

BCLP has the capability and experience to confront and resolve regulatory inquiries and investigations into our franchisor clients, on both a state-by-state and federal basis. Our franchise and distribution lawyers actively communicate with state regulators and enjoy long-standing professional relationships with lawyers who are charged with enforcement of franchise laws at the Federal Trade Commission and in various states.

Our franchise and distribution team has represented franchisors with respect to inquiry letters and formal investigations by applicable regulatory agencies in many states. We also regularly work with state administrators to obtain discretionary exemptions, clarifications of the franchise laws and resolution of potential violations and enforcement actions at the earliest stage before formal governmental action.

Regulatory and Compliance

In addition to our franchise and distribution team, the firm has a full team of regulatory and compliance lawyers with experience working on both sides of government and compliance issues.  A number of other lawyers have longstanding relationships with key congressional members, staff of the Federal Trade Commission and other state and federal agencies.  As appropriate, these resources are marshalled to respond to issues ranging from initial inquiry letters to full blown investigations.