Advisor Member
Natalia Shvarts is an experienced franchised solicitor whose journey in franchising started over 15 years ago at a niche firm in Birmingham where Natalia trained and qualified supporting franchisors with all aspects of the franchise network management including drafting and updating franchise agreements, assisting with overseas expansion, managing franchisee exits, assisting with trademark and copyright infringement and data protection.
After 7 years of private practice Natalia took on a position of in-house legal counsel at a large award winning franchisor where Natalia established a legal function and, as part of the senior leadership team, contributed to the growth and development of the business and the franchise network. In early 2022, Natalia returned to private practice continuing to support franchisees and franchisors.
Natalia is passionate about franchising and helping her clients build and expand their businesses. She believes in being pragmatic and delivering commercial solutions.
Natalia is a regular contributor to prominent franchise publications including Elite Franchise, Which Franchise and Ask The Expert. Natalia has also co-authored a chapter in the Practice Guide – Franchise 2023 on Lexology’s Getting The Deal Through platform as well as a chapter on Franchising in the United Kingdom for the 10th edition of The Franchise Law Review.
We provide legal support to both franchisees and franchisors operating within the UK.
For Prospective Franchisees our services include:
• Franchise Agreement Review. You will receive a report which will explain the main terms of your franchise agreement and will highlight anything unusual, onerous or unworkable.
• Franchise Business Acquisitions – if you are purchasing an existing franchised business, we support you through the process whether it is an asset or a share sale.
For Existing Franchisees our services include:
• Franchise Business Sale – if you are looking to sell your franchised business, we support you through the process whether it is an asset or a share sale.
• Franchise Business Acquisition – if you are acquiring an additional franchise, whether with the same or a different franchisor, we can assist and support you in the acquisition.
• Renewal – we can support you with renewal of your franchise agreement.
• Exit – advising and supporting with exiting the franchise relationship.
For Prospective Franchisors our services include:
• Advice and support with trademark registration within the UK and Europe.
• Drafting new franchise agreements.
• Drafting deposit agreements, confidentiality agreements and other ancillary documents.
For Existing Franchisors our services include:
• Providing ongoing support on all aspects of managing your franchise network.
• Assisting with supplier contracts.
• Advising and assisting you with renewals or managing renewal of franchise agreements for you.
• Advising and assisting you with resales or managing the resale process for you including liaising with the incoming and outgoing franchisees’ solicitors.
• Advising and assisting with performance management.
• Advising and assisting with franchisee exits.
• Advising and assisting with protection of your intellectual property including new trademark registrations and/or copyright and trademark infringement cases.
