DLA Piper‘s franchising group predominantly advises multinational franchisors, with a particular strength in the hospitality and leisure sector. The team often collaborates with the firm’s European and US-based offices to provide clients with a cross-border offering. Transactional lawyer Matthew Duncombe sits at the helm of the practice from Leeds, and he also co-chairs the firm’s global hospitality and leisure practice. Manchester-based David Booth and Sophie Conroy in Leeds are also key members of the team.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Specific franchise experience.'
‘Always respond quickly and clearly.’
Key clients
- JD Sports plc
- International Resources Group
- Yum! Foods
- Yo! Sushi
- Marriott International
- Hyatt
- Intercontinental Hotel Group
- NH Hoteles
- Carl’s Franchise
- Dunkin Donuts
- Hertz
- UFC Gyms
- Tracy Anderson
Work highlights
- Acted for Hyatt in its franchise arrangements with Lindner Hotels, which involved over 30 hotels across 7 European countries joining Hyatt’s hotels portfolio.
- Acting for Yo! Sushi in a number of franchise-related aspects, including franchised concessions in certain supermarkets, global travel arrangements with SSP, master franchise with Gourmet Gulf across the middle East, Doha airport restaurant, and French and Australian franchises.
- Assisted Tracy Anderson with negotiating and finalising the franchise agreement for a studio to be located within The Berkely Hotel in London.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Matt Duncombe