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Louis Vouloukos

Phone: 905.452.6883
Fax: 905.451.5058
lvouloukos@lawrences.com

Louis is an associate in Lawrences’ Business Law Group.  He represents clients in a broad range of industries including manufacturing, grocery and food retail, restaurant and food service, transportation, distribution and logistics and health care.

Louis focuses his practice on franchise law. He advises both franchisors and franchisees on all aspects of franchising, including compliance with franchise laws and regulations, buying and selling of franchises, franchise disputes and exit strategies, renewal and termination of franchises, franchise associations, intellectual property, and commercial leasing. Specific experiences include drafting or updating disclosure documents, franchise agreements, master franchise and development agreements, renewal, assignment and termination agreements, lease renewal agreements, and coordinating litigious franchise matters.

In addition, Louis’ practice focuses on all aspects of private company law. He advises owner-managed businesses on a wide-range of matters, including business acquisitions and divestitures, business structures, shareholder and partnership arrangements, corporate finance and security, corporate reorganizations, and corporate governance. Specific experiences include drafting and negotiating asset and share purchase agreements, loan agreements, supply and distribution agreements, partnership agreements, shareholders’ agreements, consulting and independent contractor agreements, and reviewing and drafting a broad range of commercial contracts.

Representative Work

  • Reviewed and updated disclosure document, franchise agreement and ancillary franchise documents for a regional restaurant franchisor to bring them into compliance with franchise laws
  • Negotiated smooth exit from a retail franchise system for a disgruntled franchisee without resort to litigation
  • Implemented a complicated corporate reorganization for an international client involving both Canadian and foreign entities and requiring various share restructurings, rollovers and the use of trusts
  • Negotiated and drafted a master supply agreement involving waste management products and a national services agreement relating to the supply of cleaning services

Affiliations

  • Member, Ontario Bar Association, Franchise and Business Law Sections
  • Member, American Bar Association, Forum on Franchising
  • Member, Hellenic Canadian Lawyers’ Association
  • Member, Hellenic Canadian Board of Trade
  • Member, Peel Law Association
  • Member, Law Society of Upper Canada

Involvement

  • Brampton Board of Trade, Chair, 2024 
  • Brampton Board of Trade, International Trade Committee, 2012-present
  • Hellenic Canadian Board of Trade, Director and Secretary, 2004–2011
  • Volunteer Director – Sheridan College Business Game Program, 2011
  • Read to children on a monthly basis as part of a literacy program sponsored by a national law firm in Toronto, 2009-2010
  • Member, Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church

Awards

Speaking Engagements

  • Ontario Bar Association Seminar Speaker - "Hot Topics in the Purchase and Sale of a Business - Real Property Issues" - March 2018
  • Frequent speaker on Franchise Law to various industry groups and business associations
  • “Fundamental Principals of Ontario Franchise Law”, Peel Law Association, 2014
  • Volunteer Director – Sheridan College Business Game Program, 2011

Publications

  • "Legal Due Diligence:  How It Protects You, Part 1:  Corporate Searches" - The Lawrences Letter, Summer 2018
  • "Buying a Franchise: Use a Franchise Lawyer”, BeTheBoss.ca. January 2015
  • "Franchise Law Part 3: Fatal Flaws in Disclosure Documents” - The Lawrences Letter, Fall 2014
  • "The Case for Site-Specific Disclosure”, article provided as part of Continuing Professional Development Program Fundamental Principals of Ontario Franchise Law”, Peel Law Association, September 16, 2014
  • "Common Pitfalls of Franchise Disclosure Documents In Canada”. BeTheBoss.ca.May, 2014
  • "Franchise Law Part 2: What is a Franchise Disclosure Document?” The Lawrences Letter, Spring 2014
Oct 01, 2014 | Article

Franchise Law Part 3: Fatal Flaws in Disclosure Documents

In our fictitious example, the Singhs believe that since they provided a disclosure document, and since Mr. Howard signed his franchise agreement 23 months ago, he cannot rescind the franchise agreement, as the 60-day period for rescission noted above has passed. However, Mr. Howard’s position is that the absence of a signed certificate was such a material deficiency that he did not actually receive a disclosure document. Therefore, Mr. Howard claims that the two-year rescission period applies, rather than the 60-day rescission period. The courts have tended to agree with Mr. Howard.

Apr 01, 2014 | Article

Franchise Law Part 2: What is a Franchise Disclosure Document?

In Part 1 of this series on franchise law, we described Mr. and Mrs. Singh’s diner that offers customizable, affordable, healthy food in a trendy setting. The Singhs have now successfully tested their concept at several locations, registered a trade-mark, and incorporated a company (“SHD Inc.”), of which they are both directors. They now want to franchise their business and have been told they need a disclosure document.

Dec 01, 2013 | Article

Franchise Law Part 1: So You Want to Franchise Your Business?

Mr. and Mrs. Singh have created a unique business: a diner that offers customizable, affordable, and healthy sandwiches, salads and soups in a trendy setting. They opened their first store in 2010 and their business concept worked. Customers often tell them they should franchise their business. The idea is very appealing to the Singhs, but they have no idea how to go about it.

Oct 01, 2011 | Article

Is Your Business Accessible to People with Disabilities? Part Two

If your organization has 20 or more employees or is in the public sector, you must also: Document in writing all your policies, practices and procedures for providing accessible customer service and meeting other requirements set out in the Customer Service Standards.

Oct 01, 2011 | Article

Is Your Business Accessible to People with Disabilities? Part One

Joan and Preeti are the franchisors of a small chain of fast-food restaurants. Each restaurant is owned and operated by a different franchisee. Each franchisee has up to ten employees. Three of the five franchised restaurants are in neighbourhoods where there are long-term care facilities and retirement homes, so each restaurant has a percentage of customers who suffer from a disability. One of their franchisees has just called to ask about a reminder they’ve received from the Ontario government about complying with new accessibility standards by January 1, 2012. She wants to know when the franchisor (Joan and Preeti) is going to take care of the new requirements.

Blogs

Sep 28, 2020

Enforceability of Releases In the Franchise Context - Revisited

In a previous blog, we examined the interplay between releases in the franchise context and Section 11 of the Arthur Wishart Act (Franchise Disclos...

Sep 25, 2020

Amendments to Ontario’s Franchise Laws Provide Some Utility to Franchisors

On September 1, 2020 long awaited amendments to the Arthur Wishart Act (Franchise Disclosure), 2000 (the “Act”) and its General Regulat...

Nov 14, 2016

Raibex Decision: Franchisors Must Reconsider Disclosure Practices When the Franchise Location is Unknown

Franchisors are strongly encouraged to consult with a franchise lawyer on how to best manage their disclosure obligations and risks before entering into franchise agreements when the location is not yet known.

Jun 15, 2015

Ontario Court of Appeal: Not All Facts Are Material to Franchise Disclosure

A recent Ontario Court of Appeal decision has confirmed that only “material facts” must be included in a franchise disclosure document. Whether a fact is considered a “material fact” must be determined on a case-by-case-basis, with important implications for franchisors and franchisees alike.

Jun 08, 2015

Are Franchisees Entitled to Site-Specific Disclosure?

In Ontario, the Arthur Wishart Act (Franchise Disclosure), 2000 requires franchisors to give prospective franchisees a disclosure document—a significant amount of written, pre-sale information about the franchisor and its system.

Jun 08, 2015

The Enforceability of Releases in Franchise Agreements

Recent court decisions make it imperative that release provisions written into franchise agreements are carefully worded by an experienced franchise lawyer.

News

Aug 14, 2024

Louis Vouloukos serves as Chair of the Brampton Board of Trade in 2024

We are pleased to announce that Louis Vouloukos has been appointed by his peers to serve as Chair of the Brampton Board of Trade in 2024. Louis is ...

May 28, 2024

Law Society of Ontario Congratulates Lawrences on Their 100th Anniversary

Law Society of Ontario Dear Lawrences Lawyers, On behalf of the Law Society of Ontario, I would like to congratulate Lawrences Lawyers for your ...

Sep 28, 2020

Enforceability of Releases In the Franchise Context - Revisited

In a previous blog, we examined the interplay between releases in the franchise context and Section 11 of the Arthur Wishart Act (Franchise Disclos...

Sep 25, 2020

Amendments to Ontario’s Franchise Laws Provide Some Utility to Franchisors

On September 1, 2020 long awaited amendments to the Arthur Wishart Act (Franchise Disclosure), 2000 (the “Act”) and its General Regulat...

Jun 27, 2019

Summer Issue of Lawrences Letter now available online

The latest edition of our newsletter is now online. Articles include the regulations for the new cannabis industry, the risks of joint accounts wit...

Jul 30, 2018

Summer issue of Lawrences Letter now available

The latest edition of our newsletter is now available. Articles include the new standard lease for residential tenancies, Ed Upenieks' acceptance s...

Over the years, it has been a privilege to have been represented by Louis Vouloukos - from his tenacity to deliver optimal results to his refreshing candour, all the way to his zeal for the law, life and family.  There is no one else that I trust more with the affairs of the legal world and my family's interests than I do, Louis.  To borrow a line from the movie, Jerry Maguire, Louis is my "Ambassador of Quan."  Continued success to you, Louis, and sincere thanks for all that you have done for myself and our family. 

Chris C.

Entrepreneur

As a retired senior executive, when I needed a lawyer to handle our small business incorporation, I took the time to investigate a number of options and was impressed when I spoke to Louis Vouloukos of Lawrences.  It was immediately clear to me that Louis not only had great command of the subject area and a deep understanding of the law, but he also had the practical experience and perspective to bring that knowledge to bear efficiently and effectively in "real word" situations.  After speaking with Louis I knew that Lawrences was the firm for me.

Sometimes it's the little things that make the difference.  When dealing with Louis I found that an honest, personal touch, integrity and drive to do the right thing also came along with his strong knowledge and skills.  I experienced this personal touch along with outstanding professional capabilities throughout Lawrences - from an actual live receptionist who greets you with a kind and helpful attitude to a corporate clerk who mixes her great experience and knowledge with a smile.     

Our incorporation is now complete and through this process my strong positive opinion of Louis and the team at Lawrences has continued to grow.  My next steps will be to work with Lawrences on employment and business contracts as well as updating wills and estates.  I know that in Louis and Lawrences I have found a trusted partner in law that I can rely on for many years to come.  I am sure that they will be handling the distribution of my estate - but hopefully not too soon.

I would highly recommend Lawrences to any individual or firm looking for an outstanding firm with which to partner.

Steve Square

© 2015 Lawrence, Lawrence, Stevenson LLP

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43 Queen Street West, Brampton, ON, Canada L6Y 1L9
Telephone: 905.451.3040 Fax: 905.451.5058 Email: lls@lawrences.com

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