This action seeks $100,000,000 on behalf of all Canadian Pet Valu franchisees against the franchisor of the Pet Valu chain. The statement of claim alleges that the franchisor breached its obligations under the franchise agreement and the Arthur Wishart Act (Franchise Disclosure), 2000, S.O. 2000, c. 3 by failing to pass on to the franchisees the benefits received through Pet Valu’s substantial purchasing power.  Those benefits are stated in the franchise agreement to be a “fundamental component” of the Pet Valu System.  Also at issue are the rebates and other benefits which Pet Valu receives from suppliers which must be allocated to the stores under the franchise agreement.

The proposed class consists of all persons carrying on business as a franchisee under a franchise agreement with Pet Valu at any time on or after December 31, 2003.

The action was launched on December 9, 2009 and is awaiting the hearing of the motion for certification.

Important Dates

• October 21 and 22, 2010: Motion for certification. Courtroom 6, Osgoode Hall, 130 Queen St. W., Toronto. Note: This hearing has been adjourned from an earlier date.

Documents

• Statement of Claim (Dec 9, 2009)

More Information

• Class Action Update May 11, 2010
  
• Class Action FAQ