When your Wisconsin-based interests are at stake.

Chad J. Richter
Chad J. Richter
O’Neil, Cannon, Hollman, DeJong & Laing S.C.
111 E. Wisconsin Avenue
Suite 1400
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
Phone: 414.276.5000
Fax: 414.276.6581

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Chad works with clients on a variety of corporate and business law matters, including the formation and organization of new business entities, the acquisition and sale of existing businesses under stock and asset sale agreements, and the preparation of various business contracts and certifications. Chad has focused his practice on the structuring of business relationships under franchise and distribution arrangements, and has worked with numerous franchise and dealership models, representing both franchisors/grantors and franchisees/dealers.

Chad Assists Clients With

  • Business formation, acquisition, and sales
  • General business negotiations, contract preparation and business certifications (WBE/MBE/DBE/EBE)
  • Franchisor and franchisee establishment and legal compliance
  • Dealership and distribution law matters
  • Commercial real estate transactions involving businesses and franchises

Representative Client Work

  • Worked with well over 100 different franchise and dealership models across the U.S. and Canada in varying product and service based industries for both business-to-business and consumer based models
  • Assisted many different franchisors with legal compliance and contractual matters in both registration and non-registration states
  • Independently handled the purchase and sale of numerous local and regionally based businesses

Examples of Chad’s Franchise Work

  • Chad has guided many individuals through the process of becoming a franchisee, providing services including:
    • Reviewing the Franchise Agreement and related offering and disclosure documentation to ensure clients understand the scope of the relationship and their legal rights and responsibilities
    • Preparing necessary Amendments, Addendums, or Rights of First Refusal to append to the Franchise Agreement
    • Setting up and structuring operating entities
    • Providing assistance to newly established franchisees with any necessary corporate and real estate matters, including real estate development/acquisition and leasehold concerns
  • Chad has assisted business owners with the process of franchising their businesses, providing services including:
    • Consulting on the business aspects of franchising
    • Advising on the establishment and preparation of the franchise system and manuals
    • Assisting with the selection, use, and registration of trademarks and copyrights
    • Setting up and structuring controlling entities
    • Preparing all necessary disclosure documents, FDDs, Franchise Agreements, Exhibits, and other pertinent documentation
    • Registration of franchises in the various registration states, and handling annual renewal and re-registration requirements
    • Assisting with the procurement of franchisees and the various legal issues in amending and revising Franchise Agreements for franchisees
    • Advising on necessary disclosures and changing business/legal issues in franchising; and otherwise working with clients to expand and grow their franchise operation on an ongoing basis

Articles/Presentations

  • “How to Begin the Business Acquisition/Sale Process” - a seminar to discuss the effective use of Term Sheets and Letters of Intent in business transactions; including key legal components, misconceptions and pitfalls of these documents
  • “The Franchise Model” - an article outlining legal and practical considerations for individuals considering purchasing a franchise or expanding their business through franchising
  • “Legal Issues in Franchising - a bi-annual seminar presented at the UWM Small Business Development Center to outline the process of becoming a franchisee and establishing a franchise
  • “Business Solutions for the Entrepreneur” - frequent speaker at local outplacement firms on corporate formation, business acquisition and franchise law matters
  • WI Marketplace - participant at seminar in connection with Governor Jim Doyle on Minority Business Development
  • Franchise Fair - participant at seminar in connection with Mayor Tom Barrett and the International Franchise Association on franchise opportunities for women, minorities, and veterans
  • Wisconsin Franchise Showcase - participant at annual seminar in connection with local franchise placement specialists on starting a franchise

Awards/Distinctions

Selected as a 2008 and 2009 Wisconsin Super Lawyer Rising Star, Law & Politics and Milwaukee Magazine

Professional Associations and Affiliations

  • Wisconsin Bar Association
  • American Bar Association, Forum on Franchising
  • International Franchise Association, Member/Supplier
  • Southwest YMCA, Board Member
  • Midwest Business Brokers & Intermediaries, Board Member