Today's news for the franchise & small biz owner

In a sweeping decision with significant implications for franchise and other vertical distribution arrangements, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice has dismissed a $2 billion franchise and competition class action against Tim Hortons on the merits.

A recent Ontario Superior Court decision—578115 Ontario Inc. v. Sears Canada Inc., 2010 ONSC 4571 (Sears Canada)—to certify a franchisee class action based on alleged inadequate disclosure of supplier rebates highlights the importance to franchisors of following best practices for the disclosure of rebates.