Illinois § 15

§ 15.

Escrow of franchise fees; surety bonds; franchise fee deferrals. If the Administrator finds that a franchisor has failed to demonstrate that adequate financial arrangements have been made to fulfill obligations to provide real estate, improvements, equipment, inventory, training, or other items to be included in the establishment and opening of the franchise business being offered, the Administrator may by rule or order require the escrow or impoundment of franchise fees and other funds paid by the franchisee until such obligations have been fulfilled, or, at the option of the franchisor, the furnishing of a surety bond as provided by rule of the Administrator, if he finds that such requirement is necessary and appropriate to protect prospective franchisees, or, at the option of the franchisor, the deferral of payment of the initial fee until the opening of the franchise business. (Source: P.A. 96-648, eff. 10-1-09.)