Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Micaren Exel Franchise Disclosure Document
Micaren Exel Franchise Disclosure Document
Micaren Exel Franchise Disclosure Document
Section 1: Background
Micaren Exel Petroleum Wholesaler has been developing Retail Filling Stations
since Exel Petroleum was in its infancy. We contracted various rights and
advantages with Exel and later with Sasol. This has advantages for both entities.
Our philosophy is simple, yet powerful; we focus on low volume sites in which
other Oil Companies have little interest, including Sasol. During the last 10 years
we have built up a wealth of knowledge with regard to all aspects of the fuel
industry, namely wholesale, retail, distribution and site conversion.
1. Why will we succeed with low volume stations while other oil
companies close them?
- Compare the efficiency of smaller companies against the ‘red tape’ of
large international companies.
- In-house operations instead of outsource work contracts. Although we
adhere to SABS 089 and ISO standards for installations, we do not
have in-house specifications that protect our image and liabilities that
the multi national companies enjoy, thereby placing our profitability at
risk.
- The culture of multi national companies with their first world standards
are not in accordance with the typical nature of developing countries.
(The realism of operating in Africa)
During our travels looking for re-branding opportunities (filling stations that oil
companies wish to close) we became aware of a need for developing retail fillings
station in townships. Two problems exist, namely the capital outlay versus the
turnover of low volume filling stations and un-empowered entrepreneurs. This
opportunity has vast potential and a modular filling station has been designed,
which resolves the construction cost for the filling stations. The un-empowerment
problems are two fold, i.e. entrepreneurial skills and financial know-how. The
Franchise concept partly solves these problems.
The Franchise includes the land, forecourt, RCC, staff and management training
as well as financial management systems and controls by means of a centralized
back office system. However, the Franchisee still has to make a substantial
investment in order to use the terms of the Franchise arrangement. A capital
investment of approximately R800 000.00 for the Ama Glug Glug and R1,800
000.00 for the Quickfill (see Franchise Disclosure document for details).
Business Partners, a shareholder of Micaren Exel, makes funds available for the
funding of the capital requirements of the Ama Glug Glug / Quickfill Franchise.
Micaren Exel Retail Convenience Centre (‘RCC’) not only offers most of
the above to motorists but also allows for a great business opportunity to
2
individuals on a business format franchise basis. At Micaren we subscribe
to the principle that owner-managed businesses are generally more
successful because they are well managed and operated by committed
hands-on owner-operators.
Other businesses may also be operated provided they are appropriate for
the market the RCC services. These include but are not limited to:
▪ Car wash
▪ Windscreen repair
▪ Oil Exchange Service
3
▪ Standards of operation will be prescribed to ensure the desired
uniformity throughout the RCC network.
▪ The RCC franchise opportunity allows for both Micaren and
Franchisees to be profitable.
▪ Micaren makes the required investment to secure the land and
construct facilities at the site. The Franchisee is responsible for
making an investment to obtain the rights to operate the site for
which an “upfront franchise fee” is required. Further investment by
the Franchisee in the working capital for the RCC and all its
business components is required.
▪ Are you, with the support of your family, able to commit to the
responsibilities and demands of managing a business which
operates 24 hours a day for 7 days a week?
▪ Does the potential income that the RCC could generate meet your
personal income requirements?
In our recruitment and selection process we look for the following attributes
and skills in a potential franchisee:
4
▪ The Franchisee must be willing and open to being guided by the
franchise system and the franchisor and be committed to comply
with the system.
▪ The Franchisee must be able to devote full time commitment to
managing and operating the franchise.
▪ The Franchisee must accept the responsibility of developing and
managing people who are committed to fulfilling their roles. This
requires sound management and operation of the RCC making it
the customer’s first choice in the respective area of operation.
Franchising has seen its success and failures over the past number of
years. Many of the failures have been a result of a lack of knowledge
about the base principles of franchising which we advise are essential for
you to understand as a potential Franchisee. Equally important is the
understanding and commitment we have at Micaren to being a franchisor.
Make sure you understand and acknowledge these base principles:
The franchisor is the owner of the brand and business system, which is a
proven business formula including branding, marketing, purchasing power,
expertise, managing and administrating the business. The franchisor, in
this capacity, grants Micaren franchises.
The franchisor has ownership rights to the brand and business system. By
granting third parties the right to benefit from the intellectual property, it
earns a fee. The franchisor requires personal commitment from
Franchisees that they will not damage these assets (intellectual
property) in any way through any wrongdoing. Consequently, there are a
number of obligations a Franchisee needs to accept and comply with to
ensure the integrity of the brand and the business system.
SKILLS BASE:
6
The franchise organization allows the Franchisee access to the specialized
and highly skilled knowledge of the Head Office management team whilst
his/her independence as a self-employed operator.
CAPITAL INVESTMENT:
In the case of the RCC, Micaren invests significant funds for each RCC to
be set up. It then grants a Franchisee the rights to operate the RCC facility
for a fee. In so doing, Franchisees are able to have access to a
sophisticated modern facility which, on their own, would be beyond most
individual’s financial resources. However, the Franchisee is still required
to make a substantial investment to be allowed access to use the terms of
the franchise arrangement.
INITIAL ASSISTANCE:
The franchisor will also provide assistance with:
▪ Marketing and advertising required, including initial launch of the
business.
▪ Design and layout of the premises.
▪ Incorporation of trade name(s) and trademarks.
▪ Training of staff.
7
▪ Installation of equipment, fixtures, fittings, etc.
▪ Management, stock control, front and back office systems.
▪ Financial management systems
From the outset we took cognisance of the fact that, if we, as a non refiner
wholesaler of petroleum products, want to build our own brand in retail
filling station business, must structured our company in a way that our
9
dealers will have the comfort that the future existence of Micaren Exel is
covered for.
4.1 Directors
The four directors of the company are all accomplished businessmen in
their own right.
10
G (Gerrie) Marnewick is the managing director of the Kgalagadi Wholesale
group of Companies in Botswana. Being a South African and Botswana
citizen, he is accustomed to the culture and business manner of the
Botswana people. He is the driving force of our expansion in that country.
The Kgalagadi Group operates five wholesale businesses in the western
and southern areas of Botswana, as well as a filling station at one of the
wholesalers. Furthermore, the group has recently opened an Exel filling
station on the Trans Kgalagadi highway that is the flagship for Exel
Petroleum Ltd in both South Africa and Botswana. Gerrie assists Jaap in
the management of the group, in so far as it pertains to negotiating
expansions, supplier agreements with Exel Petroleum Ltd and other
strategic matters. He has a degree in geo-hydrology and compiles the
Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA’s) on all new developments
undertaken by the Group.
11
Section 5: Salient Elements of the Franchise Agreement
5.2 Duration
5.3.1 The Franchisee is required to use the trade name and trademarks in all
correspondence, marketing documentation, administrative documents and
any other material. Use of the trade names and marks will be in
accordance with the Manuals.
5.3.2 The Franchisee is not to make any reference to the trade name and
trademarks in the registered names of its legal entities and would where
needed, clearly indicate the registered name of the franchise and that it
operates under licence to Micaren.
5.3.3 The Franchisee will not acquire any rights in the Micaren/Exel trademarks
through usage.
12
5.4 Petroleum Products and Convenience Store Supply
5.4.1 Micaren undertakes to supply the Franchisee with its requirements for Exel
Products.
5.4.2 The Franchisee undertakes during the currency of the Franchise
Agreement to purchase exclusively from Micaren its entire requirements
for petroleum products.
5.4.3 Micaren shall sell Exel products to the Franchisee at Sasol Oil’s retail list
price on the date of delivery and should the petroleum industry be
deregulated at any time during the currency of the agreement, at such
ruling price of Micaren, as applicable to the geographic area and class of
business. Further to this, Micaren will not allow any discounts on the ruling
retail price to the Franchisee.
5.4.4 The Franchisee is required to appoint Micaren as its sole supplier of
petroleum and convenience store products so as to ensure the quality of
products and to ensure margins are maintained.
5.5.1 Micaren shall be responsible for installing and maintaining the storage and
dispensing equipment.
5.5.2 The Franchisee is required to comply, in respect of the storage and
dispensing equipment, with all obligations imposed by the provisions of
relevant Health, Safety and Environmental Legislation and such Health,
Safety and Environmental Standards as may from time to time be
prescribed.
5.5.3 The maintenance of the equipment shall be undertaken by Micaren in
accordance with specified standards and at Micaren’s cost.
5.5.4 The maintenance of equipment listed shall be undertaken by the
Franchisee in accordance with specified standards at the Franchisee’s
cost.
13
5.6 Micaren’s Initial Obligations
5.6.1 Micaren shall provide the Franchisee with the premises which are
constructed and equipped in accordance with the Micaren design
requirements. The premises will incorporate equipment, fixtures and
fittings, signage to enable the operation of the RCC with the exception of
certain specified equipment. (Refer par. 8.3 note 3)
5.6.2 Micaren shall disclose the System, make the Know-how and Manual
available to the Franchisee and provide initial training for all purposes
contemplated by the Franchise Agreement.
5.6.3 Micaren undertakes to advise the Franchisee, to the extent that it
considers it necessary and desirable, with the recruitment and selection of
persons who will be employed by the Franchisee.
5.6.4 Micaren shall advise the Franchisee of any equipment not supplied by
Micaren which is required by the Franchisee, to meet its obligations in
terms of the Franchise Agreement and requirements of the Manuals
5.6.5 Micaren shall advise the Franchisee as to the required incorporation of the
trade name and trademarks on vehicles, stationary and uniforms.
5.6.6 Micaren shall advise the Franchisee on the required initial marketing for
the RCC and its component parts. The cost of all initial marketing is the
responsibility of the Franchisee.
5.6.7 Micaren will provide the Franchisee with Manuals specifying certain
policies and procedures the Franchisee is required to adhere to, in the
operation of the RCC.
14
▪ On a daily base measure the Franchisee’s performance relating to
all functions of operating the business including but not limited to
marketing and selling, merchandising, trading and financial
performance, administration and general operations, product
information, etc.
▪ Review financials and management information to assess the
profitability of the RCC and its component parts.
▪ Make visits to the site and premises on a regular basis.
▪ Advise the Franchisee of any Ancillary Businesses which are
considered by Micaren to be appropriate for the site.
▪ Ensure the continuity of supply of Exel Petroleum products, services
and equipment required by the Franchisee for the proper operation
of the RCC.
▪ Provide the Franchisee with benchmarking information concerning
the operational and financial performance of other franchisees in
similar classes and categories, and
▪ Assist the Franchisee, at the Franchisee’s request, with reasonable
support to resolve problems.
5.7.2 Should Micaren require changes at the site and premises, these shall be
directed by Micaren and the cost thereof borne by Micaren with the
exception of additional Ancillary Businesses in which the Franchisee may
be required to invest.
5.7.3 Should Micaren require upgrades to stationary, and/or staff uniforms, these
shall be directed by Micaren and the cost thereof borne by the Franchisee.
5.8.2 The Franchisee will co-operate in all respects with Micaren and to the
extent required by Micaren, to ensure the successful and timeous set-up of
the RCC in accordance with Micaren’s specifications.
5.8.3 The Franchisee should ensure all statutory registrations are completed as
listed in the Manuals.
5.8.4 The Franchisee should ensure the necessary deposits are made and
administration completed for the connection of water and lights and
telephone lines.
5.8.5 The Franchisee should plan an initial marketing launch, which Micaren is
required to approve prior to implementation.
17
capacities which may detriment the Franchisee’s ability to meet its
obligations in terms of the Franchise Agreement.
▪ Keep the forecourt, convenience store, fixtures, fittings, equipment,
displays and the entire premises in a clean and tidy condition, in a
good state of repair and ensure that the premises are properly lit,
according to specifications, for night time trade.
▪ Act within the bounds of any and all laws and local bye-laws. Not
allow anything to be done on the premises which may prejudice the
licence to trade for the business.
▪ Not entice any members of staff from Micaren or Sasol Oil or other
Franchisees.
▪ Report any fuel leaks to Micaren as soon as identified or suspected.
▪ Not do anything or allow anything which may expose the Franchisee
or Micaren to criminal or civil charges.
▪ Allow Micaren and its representative’s access to the premises at all
reasonable times.
▪ Notify Micaren immediately of any complaint relating to the conduct
of the business by any statutory body or any criminal or civil charge
laid against the Franchisee or the RCC.
▪ Maintain good relations with employees, not to engage in any unfair
labour practises and adhere to all labour laws.
▪ The Franchisee is responsible for all the operational and
management cost to operate the RCC including but not limited to:
18
5.9.3 Information management
▪ The Franchisee is obliged to utilise the point of sale and back office
accounting and administration system specified by Micaren.
▪ Franchisee shall be responsible for purchasing the hardware and
software systems and installing these at the premises.
▪ The Franchisee shall be responsible for maintaining the hardware
and software in line with the requirements of Micaren and to ensure
they are in working order.
▪ The costs of all enhancements to the system shall be the
responsibility of Micaren.
▪ The Franchisee shall provide Micaren with information outlining
management and financial information as specified in the Manuals.
▪ The Franchisee shall not do or omit anything which may prevent the
proper functioning of the hardware and software or maintenance
thereof by Micaren or its appointed agents.
5.9.4 Insurance
19
▪ All administration and accounting requirements as specified in the
Manuals.
▪ Preparing monthly management accounts and providing copies
thereof to Micaren with 15 (fifteen) days after the close of the
calendar month to which the management accounts relate.
▪ Providing Micaren with daily financial information on sales, stock
levels and bank reports.
5.10.1 Micaren may specify at the time of entering into the Franchise Agreement
the Ancillary Businesses which are to be opened and operated on the
commencement date.
5.10.2 Should Ancillary Businesses be introduced during the term of the
Franchise Agreement then:
5.11.1 Performance criteria will be agreed upon with the Franchisee and should
include:
5.12 Termination
▪ The Franchisee fails to pay any amount due to Micaren and fails to
make payment within 7 (seven) days after receipt of written notice
from Micaren to make payment.
▪ The Franchisee takes any action or omits to take any action or does
anything or permits anything to be done by the Franchisee, its
shareholder/members, its agent or employees and or
representatives which could harm or have a detrimental effect on
Micaren, its reputation and/or any other Franchisees or damage the
franchise network.
▪ The Franchisee fails to meet any of the performance criteria set out
in the Franchise Agreement or agreed upon otherwise.
▪ The Franchisee discloses to any third party any part of the System
or the know-how e.g. manuals, documents, etc in breach of
provisions of the Franchise Agreement.
▪ The Franchisee fails to meet any of its financial obligations in terms
of the Franchise Agreement and fails to remedy its default within 14
(fourteen) days after receipt of written notice calling upon the
Franchisee to meet the outstanding financial obligation in question.
21
▪ The Franchisee for any reason whatsoever closes for operation the
whole or in part of the Business or any Ancillary Businesses for a
period of 12 hours or more unless otherwise allowed for by Micaren
in writing or in Manuals.
▪ The Franchisee contravenes any rules or regulations of any relevant
authorities in the conduct of the business and Ancillary Businesses
▪ The Franchisee commits any breach of any of its other obligations
in terms of the Franchise Agreement or fails to operate and manage
the Business and Ancillary Businesses in accordance with the
Systems and standards as set out in the Manuals and the Franchise
Agreement, all of which are deemed to be material, and if such
breach is capable of remedy, the Franchisee fails to remedy within
14 (fourteen) days after receipt of written notice calling upon the
Franchisee to remedy such breach.
▪ A judgement, which has the effect of the Franchisee performing
under the terms and conditions of the Franchise Agreement, taken
against the Franchisee, its shareholders, members or designated
parties which the Franchisee does not satisfy in full within 14
(fourteen) days of such judgement coming to the Franchisee notice
or if the Franchise fails within such period to apply for a rescission
of such judgement or appeal the judgement and thereafter fails to
prosecute such rescission or appeal expeditiously.
▪ The Franchisee, its shareholders, members or designated parties
as the case may be, is convicted of a criminal offence involving
dishonest or commits an act of theft, fraud, misrepresentation,
dishonesty or unethical conduct during the term of the agreement.
▪ The Franchisee, its shareholders and/or members in their individual
capacity commits an act of insolvency or is sequestrated, whether
by final or provisional order or attempts are made to make any
arrangements or composition with its creditors.
▪ The agreement comes to an end by the effusion of time.
22
▪ There is a change in shareholding or membership which has not
been approved by Micaren in writing.
▪ The Franchisee enters into another agreement for a similar or
competing Franchise business without the necessary approval of
Micaren in writing.
▪ The Franchisee wilfully misrepresents, makes false statements or
withholds trading, financial and other information required in terms
of the Franchise Agreement and the Manuals or requested by
Micaren from time to time, relating to the Business and Ancillary
Businesses.
▪ The Franchisee purchases or allows for resale any brand of fuel
other than the Exel brand supplied by Micaren, from the premises.
▪ The Franchisee purchases products for resale which do not meet
the terms and conditions of the Franchise Agreement and Manuals
without the necessary approval from Micaren in writing.
▪ The responsible/designated party becomes incapacitated or of
unsound mind to effectively operate and manage the business in
accordance with the Manuals and Franchise Agreement.
▪ The designated party is absent from the RCC for a period of 30
(thirty) days or longer without the required written approval from
Micaren in writing.
5.13.1 The Franchisee shall not cede, assign, sell, transfer, charge or encumber
or deal with any of its rights or delegate any of its obligations under the
Franchise Agreement or sell the Business and/or Ancillary Businesses
without Micaren’s prior written consent, which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld and then only on condition that certain provisions
are complied with:
23
▪ That the proposed purchaser shall submit his/her/its offer in writing
both to Micaren and the Franchisee, which offer shall be bona fide
and at arms length.
▪ That the proposed purchaser shall demonstrate to Micaren’s
satisfaction that he/she/it meet the standards and requirements
applied by Micaren in selecting franchisees.
▪ That the proposed purchaser agrees to execute and/or, upon
Micaren’s request all interested parties to execute the then current
standard form of Franchise Agreement and other ancillary
agreements as Micaren may require.
▪ That neither the proposed purchaser or any of its shareholders or
members, if applicable, shall have an interest, whether direct or
indirect, of any nature in an existing business which competes with
that of Micaren
5.13.2 If Micaren does not exercise its first right of refusal, based on the offer
received by the Franchisee, it shall furnish written approval provided the
specified conditions are met. Such approval whether expressed or not,
shall be conditional on the prospective purchaser entering into the
agreements required and shall further be conditional upon the new
Franchise paying Micaren a fee which shall be equivalent to:
24
In the above instance, the gross purchase price will be determined as – the
purchase price, excluding wet and dry stock, but including any
consultant fee or agents commission.
5.14 Surety
(a) Micaren Standard Deed of Surety ship for liability of the Franchisee
in terms of the Franchise Agreement, and
(b) Micaren Standard Credit Application Agreement, and
(c) A debit order authorisation.
5.14.2 The Franchise Agreement shall be binding upon the Franchisee, its heirs,
executor, administrators, assignees, and successors in title of whatsoever
nature, whether by operation of law or otherwise.
25
Section 7: Financial Obligations
The Franchisee shall during the term of the Franchise Agreement pay
Micaren, in cash and without deduction or set off, monthly fees for the
Business and Ancillary Businesses in lieu of:
26
The monthly fees are as follows:
The monthly fee shall be payable 7 days after the end of the calendar
month to which the fees relate.
27