Representing Buzz Franchise Brands in the Purchase of British Swim School Franchise System
Kaufman & Canoles congratulates Buzz Franchise Brands on the purchase of the franchise British Swim School system with approximately 80 franchisees on April 19, 2019. Kaufman & Canoles was franchise counsel to Buzz Franchise Brands in the transaction. Buzz Franchise Brands continues to own and operate its Pool Scouts and Home Clean Heroes brands and systems.
Kaufman & Canoles is pleased to announce that Stephen E. Story was selected as a 2019 “Legal Eagle,” one of the nation’s “Top Lawyers in Franchising,” by Franchise Times magazine. Mr. Story was the only attorney in Hampton Roads to be selected for this prestigious honor in the national publication, for the second time since 2014.
Mr. Story is the Chairman of Kaufman & Canoles’ Franchise Practice Group. He represents several local, regional, and national franchisors and also multiple-unit operator franchisees and single-unit franchisees in all aspects of franchise law.
Franchise Times, a national industry publication for franchisors and multi-unit franchisees, annually recognizes “the best and brightest legal minds” in the field who “live and breathe franchising.” Legal Eagles are nominated by their clients and peers, then independently vetted by the Franchise Times editorial board for their focused franchise practice, positive client outcomes, and understanding of the unique nuances of the franchise business model.
Steve Story attended the 52nd Annual IFA Legal Symposium, May 5-7, 2019, at the JW Marriott, Washington, DC. His key takeaways from the IFA Legal Symposium:
- “No-poach” provisions in Franchise Agreements continue to be a focus of state Attorneys General and plaintiffs’ lawyers and there appears to be increasing attention on other contractual restraints, including non-competition and non-solicitation clauses.
- Data Protection and Privacy issues in Franchising continue to be governed by a hodgepodge of laws – often placing an unreasonable burden on franchisees and franchise systems. Federal efforts to streamline the regulatory framework do not appear likely to produce results for several years. Meanwhile, states continue to actively fill the void.
International Franchise Association's Franchise Business Network
Kaufman & Canoles sponsored a second meeting of the International Franchise Association’s Franchise Business Network (FBN), in Richmond, Virginia on May 16, 2019 at The Hofheimer Building. The FBN is a place for franchise professionals to network with others in the franchise community, meet potential customers, and make new business contacts. Each gathering includes an opportunity to learn about important developments in franchising. Approximately twenty members of the Virginia franchise community attended.
Upcoming Events
Franchising Your Business Webinar - June 19, 2019, 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM - A webinar for prospective franchisors interested in learning more about franchising their existing business, presented by Steve Story, Nicole Harrell and Patrick Maslyn of our Franchising Team. Brian Garrison, Chief Operating Officer of Buzz Franchise Brands (British Swim School, Pool Scouts and Home Clean Heroes franchises) will also participate.
The contents of this publication are intended for general information only and should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion on specific facts and circumstances. Copyright 2026.
