Our Franchise team of lawyers foresaw the importance of this business tool and, working with a large number of clients representing a wide variety of industries, namely hospitality, food & beverage, and retail, have developed deep knowledge and skills in the area. Our targeted experience enables us to anticipate issues and assist our clients in reaching their business objectives.
We have experience in essentially every type of arrangement utilized in international franchising and the documentation to support them, including development, master and unit franchise agreements, direct licensing; area (or multi-unit) franchises; sub-franchise (or master franchise) arrangements; conversion franchises; combination franchises; niche (or alternative location or channel) franchises; joint ventures; and, in a growing number of instances, a combination of these approaches.
The Firm represents major international franchises established in Lebanon and the Middle East. We counsel companies on evolving their business into a franchise by recommending the most favorable legal framework, and market entry strategies, as well as providing legal input on franchise manuals and other operational documents.
The Firm is a member of the board of experts of the Lebanese Franchise Association.
Awards & Recognitions
The Firm is consistently recognized as a market leader by the prominent international legal directories Chambers & Partners and The Legal 500.
Band 1 Firm
Chambers Global 2022, Corporate & Finance
“Abou Jaoude & Associates maintains a commanding position at the forefront of the Lebanese legal market. The team […] has a strong track record of acting for big-name clients on a wide variety of cutting-edge matters.”
“A fine law firm with fine lawyers.”
Top Tier Firm
The Legal 500 EMEA 2022, Commercial, Corporate and M&A
Lebanon Law Firm of the Year
Chambers Middle East Awards, 2021
Band 1 Firm
Chambers Global 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015
Corporate & Finance
“An impressive international clientele, [and a] long-established presence in the commercial sphere.”
“Abou Jaoude & Associates impresses clients with the ‘360-degree coverage’ provided by its pool of experts […].”
“The firm is best known for its regional and international reach.”
Top Tier Firm
The Legal 500 EMEA 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015
Commercial, Corporate and M&A
“Abou Jaoude & Associates Law Firm is a top name for corporate work in Lebanon and is valued for its 'excellent communication skills, and high level of know-how'.”
The Firm’s recent notable representative experience in Franchising includes:
- Advised US-based multinational fast-food chain Burger King on the market entry conditions for its franchise operations in Lebanon, and the drafting and negotiation of its franchise-related agreements.
- Advised the leader in Lebanese sweets Hallab 1881 on the setup of its franchise operations and documentation, and the drafting and negotiation of its franchise-related agreements in Lebanon and several countries worldwide.
- Advised leading regional urban eateries Zaatar W Zeit, Bar Tartine, and Sandwich W Noss on the setup of their franchise operations and documentation, and the drafting and negotiation of their franchise-related agreements in Lebanon and several countries worldwide.
- Advised the US-based bar and grill restaurant chain Applebee's on the market entry conditions for its franchise operations in Lebanon, and the drafting and negotiation of its franchise-related agreements.
- Advised the renowned Armenian specialty F&B group Mayrig on the setup of its franchise operations and documentation, and the drafting and negotiation of its franchise-related agreements in several countries worldwide.
- Advised leading UK global cosmetics and skin care company The Body Shop on market entry conditions for direct sales and franchise operations in Lebanon under special regulations governing the cosmetics industry in Lebanon.
- Advised renowned international luxury fashion house Elie Saab on the setup of its franchise operations and documentation, and the drafting and negotiation of its franchise-related agreements in several countries worldwide.
- Advised renowned international luxury fashion house Zuhair Murad on the setup of its franchise operations and documentation, and the drafting and negotiation of its franchise-related agreements in several countries worldwide.
- Advised regional Lebanese grill restaurant chain Kabab-ji on the setup of its franchise operations and documentation, and the drafting and negotiation of its franchise-related agreements in several countries worldwide.
- Advised major fine jewelry house Paolo Bongia on the setup of its franchise operations and documentation, and the drafting and negotiation of its franchise-related agreements in several countries worldwide.
- Advised prominent boutique coffee shop Colombiano Coffee House on the market entry conditions for its franchise operations in Lebanon, and the drafting and negotiation of its franchise-related agreements.
- Advised Italian pizzeria concept Marguerita Pizzeria on the setup of its franchise operations and documentation, and the drafting and negotiation of its franchise-related agreements in Lebanon and several countries worldwide.
