STEWART GERMANN LAW OFFICE commenced in 1993. The firm undertakes a wide range of legal work and we specialise in franchising, licensing and the sale and purchase of businesses.

Never settle for second best ... Consult New Zealand's longest established specialist franchise law firm with over 30 years' experience. We are the experts in this area and can help you achieve your goals.

Speak to us first:   Because of our expertise we also know the pitfalls!

The International Who's Who of Franchise Lawyers 2009 has referred to Stewart Germann as ... ''one of the leading franchising practitioners in the world'' and notes that he is: ''once again the leading franchise lawyer in New Zealand''

	Stewart Germann was judged the Winner of the Service Provider of the Year in the New Zealand Franchise Awards 2004			Stewart Germann is a Past Chairman of the Franchise Association of New Zealand and drafted the original Franchising Code of Practice for FANZ.

STEWART GERMANN:

• is listed in the International Who's Who of Franchising Lawyers

• provides expert legal advice for both franchisors and franchisees

• is a recognised national and international guest speaker at franchise conferences (New Zealand, Australia, USA)

• is a qualified mediator and a member of LEADR and AMINZ

• acts for clients which include many of New Zealand's best known national and international franchise brands

• World Franchise Council Representative 1997 to 1999

• has extensive franchising contacts worldwide and locally

• acts for clients all over New Zealand

• offers Trans-Tasman coverage.

CLIVE NEIFELD:

• advisor to many award-winning franchise systems

• European and British contacts

• specialist business lawyer

• acts for many franchisees and franchisors

Why Use Us?

Read a selection of Testimonials from our clients.

What are the benefits for you?

On 6 August 2010 Cognition Education of which Stewart Germann is Chairman, won the Exporter of the Year Award for Consultancy and Services at a black tie dinner at the Langham Auckland - see www.cognition.co.nz.

Recent Articles

Getting The Deal Through - Franchise 2011
For in-depth questions and answers on Franchising.

(pdf) read more

Important News for Clients

From a legal point of view it is very important not to sign any agreements or contracts before you obtain our legal advice.

Recently a client signed an agreement for sale and purchase of a business with inadequate due diligence clauses which caused a major problem. Sometimes you can, with the consent of the other party, enter into a variation of agreement but that is not always the case.

Franchise Agreements

Parties usually never enter into Franchise Agreements without obtaining independent legal advice. When this firm acts for the franchisor the Franchise Agreement is executed firstly by the franchisee and secondly by the franchisor. There should never be pressure to sign such documents without the opportunity of receiving independent legal advice and understanding the document.

Never be intimidated by urgency for once any agreement is signed you are in a weak position if you try to get out of or change your obligations.