Missouri Franchise Bill Clings to Life

Dear Client:You'll recall lawmakers in Missouri are currently contemplating a set of proposals that would reverse the Eighth Circuit court's definition of "franchise" that was established in the Missouri Beverage Company v. Shelton Brothers decision (see WSD 04-23-2013 and WSD 04-30-2013). The proposals would restore the original definition of franchise and make it much harder for suppliers in the state to move brands from their current distribution houses. The bill would have been dead at the end of last week