In Australia, 7-Eleven is accused of forcing and then blocking the sale of one of its franchises, leaving the owners to walk away with nothing after they invested more than $1 million into the business.
The petrol and fast-food store in Kensington, in Sydney's eastern suburbs, has returned to the hands of head office, which will run the business as part of its corporate network.
A legal expert says what happened to Jotika and Sunny Sharma is unfair, but not illegal. Jotika and Sunny purchased the franchise in 2015, taking out an ANZ loan of more than $1 million to pay the up-front goodwill fee and franchising fees.
They have received no payment from 7-Eleven for the store, despite the goodwill and customer base built up over the decade they ran the business.
"I asked them, how is it possible that I walk out of my investment? I took a hefty loan," Ms Sharma said. After a number of attempts by the couple to renew their store agreement, 7-Eleven declined. The Sharmas were forced to hand over the keys to their store last Tuesday and walk away with nothing.
Full story Franchisees ruined after 7-Eleven forces, then blocks sale of petrol station - ABC News
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