FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Keith Gerson, CFE
(954) 815-5228
keith@thefranchiseconsortium.com

Global Franchise Law Authority Recognized for Meeting Comprehensive Supplier
Excellence Criteria

[AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND] – February 9, 2025 – Stewart Germann, CFE, internationally recognized franchise law expert and founder of Stewart Germann Law Office, has successfully completed The Franchise Consortium’s landmark accreditation process, establishing himself among an elite group of first-wave accredited suppliers in the franchise industry.

This pioneering accreditation initiative sets a new global standard through its comprehensive, data-driven evaluation methodology. Suppliers undergo rigorous assessment across 24 key performance indicators, spanning five essential categories: Foundation and Stability, Professional Excellence, Operational Standards, Trust and Verification, and Industry Commitment. To achieve accreditation, suppliers must demonstrate exceptional performance by maintaining a minimum 80% score across all categories.

As a leader in international franchise law, Germann brings decades of expertise in guiding franchisors and franchisees across multiple markets. “To be in the esteemed company of Bill Edwards (The Franchise Consortiums Co-Founder and Managing Partner) who I’ve known and worked with on many occasions over the span of 25 years. I am honored to be admitted to the Franchise Consortium,” said Germann. “It will give me more credibility internationally and will hopefully expand the range of clients as I love helping people involved in franchising wherever they are.”

The accreditation provides franchisors with a trusted framework for supplier selection, offering significant advantages in risk mitigation and operational efficiency. Through continuous performance monitoring and satisfaction tracking, The Franchise Consortium ensures ongoing excellence among its accredited members.

“The accreditation’s credibility and reputation are particularly meaningful for the franchise markets we serve, as it validates the high standards of professional excellence we’ve maintained throughout our practice,” Germann noted.

In a separate comment about the growing interest in franchise law, Germann added, “I am teaching franchise law for the University of Auckland Law School this year. Two years ago there were 28 registrations and this year it has jumped to 117, which shows the remarkable expansion and growing interest in franchise law across our region.”

“Stewart Germann represents the caliber of professional excellence we sought to recognize through this accreditation,” said co-Managing Partners Keith Gerson and Bill Edwards, founders of The Franchise Consortium. “By bringing together accomplished suppliers like Stewart, we’re creating unprecedented opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing that will advance the entire franchise industry.”

For more information about The Franchise Consortium’s accredited suppliers, visit www.thefranchiseconsortium.com.

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About The Franchise Consortium

The Franchise Consortium transforms how franchisors find and validate suppliers through objective, data-driven accreditation. Through comprehensive evaluation across 24 key performance indicators, the organization helps franchise systems make confident supplier selections based on validated capabilities rather than marketing presence. (www.thefranchiseconsortium.com)

About Stewart Germann Law Office

Founded by Stewart Germann, New Zealand’s leading franchising lawyer with over 40 years of experience, Stewart Germann Law Office (SGL) specializes in guiding international franchisors into New Zealand markets. As the only New Zealand lawyer holding CFE qualification, Germann has led successful expansions for numerous Australian and global brands. The award-winning firm maintains prestigious memberships in FANZ, FCA, IFA, and BFA. Germann authored New Zealand’s original franchise Code of Practice and was recognized by FCA for “Outstanding Contribution to Franchising.” He serves as the current President of NZ Society of Notaries and Managing Director of The Franchise Coach. www.germann.co.nz