Beata Krakus

Energy Industry; Franchising & Distribution Industry; Distribution; Established & Growing Franchisors; Franchising Regulatory Compliance & Exemptions; Start-Up Franchisors; Business Law; International; Joint Ventures & Strategic Alliances; Data Privacy & Cybersecurity; Private Wealth Services; Private Equity; Franchising & Distribution; Energy; Convenience Retailing; Energy Litigation; Oil & Gas; Renewables; Utilities; Mobility, Consumers & Products

Beata works with clients across the U.S. and around the globe. She has prepared franchise programs for concepts including real estate brokerages, hotels, restaurants, and fitness and personal health systems, to name a few. She focuses on guiding clients through franchise compliance issues and facilitating mergers, acquisitions, and other transactions. Additionally, Beata helps clients avoid litigation through proactive counsel.

Beata assists clients with U.S.-wide registrations of franchise programs; exemption-based franchising, avoiding certain franchise, and business opportunity regulations; implementing marketing funds and national advertising programs; pre-litigation disputes with franchisees and master franchisees; negotiating area development agreements with large franchisees and area developers; mergers and acquisitions special counsel on franchise law matters; and international deals. She also assists clients with implementing and managing other distribution models, such as distributors/dealers (including international distribution arrangements), sales representatives, or a combination of the two. She works with clients to ensure form contracts are up to par, navigate equipment dealer laws, and assist with terminations and renewals.

Beata’s relationships with foreign companies and attorneys have helped her build a referral network of trusted counsel. The myriad aspects of international deals can make them difficult to navigate, but Beata’s experience as an attorney in three countries — the U.S., Sweden, and Poland — gives her a deeper understanding of differences in law and culture.

American Bar Association Forum on Franchising (Former Governing Committee Member 2016-2022); The Franchise Lawyer (Former Associate Editor); IBA International Franchising Committee (Officer, 2023-present); North American Securities Administrators Association Franchise and Business Opportunities Project Group (Advisory Committee Member, 2024); International Franchise Association; Swedish-American Chambers of Commerce, National Organization (Board of Directors, 2006-present), Chicago Chapter (Board of Directors, 2006-present); International Distribution Institute