I was looking at the PWC website and found the following FAQ letter sent to BSM franchisees as part of the takeover:
Questions and Answers- BSM Instructor Franchise
Franchise Agreement
Q Due to Acromas now owning BSM will I have to change my Franchise to the AA?
A The terms of this agreement are outlined to you in a letter which you will receive in the post in the next few days. Acromas will continue with your franchise agreement and be bound by its terms in every way as if it were the original party to it in place of BSM other than those terms explained in your letter. It is business as usual.
Q Are you expecting to change the cost of my franchise?
A There are no plans to change any charges or fees under your franchise agreement. It is business as usual.
Q Will I have to adhere to the AA’s code of conduct?
A You should continue to adhere to the BSM code of conduct. It is business as usual.
Q Will I be able to keep the franchise type that I am on now as it suits me – at the same price?
A Your franchise agreement will continue under the terms set out in your novation letter.
BSM Brand
Q Are you changing the BSM business to mirror the AA?
A We will be launching a consultation with employees over the future structure of the business. We cannot speculate about the outcome until this consultation has been completed.
Q Sometimes the advertising claims of both AA and BSM are conflicting – how will you deal with that for future advertising?
A Each brand will continue to run its own, unique marketing and advertising strategy.
Q Will you still be booking tests for my pupils on their behalf?
A Yes, It is business as usual.
Vehicle
Q Will you continue to provide us with Fiat cars?
A Under the acquisition agreement, BSM will continue to operate a nationwide fleet of Fiat tuition vehicles until May. The BSM fleet will then undergo a phased transition to a new Vauxhall Corsa, as committed to by BSM last year. This transition to a full fleet of Vauxhalls is expected to take place over a period of about 12 months.
Q What do I do if I have an accident?
A Please call our accident management support line on 0800 7313431
Q What do I do if I need new tyres?
A Your current supplier is ATS and this remains unchanged, authorisation to be made via BSM fleet team
Q What do I do if I need replacement glass?
A Please call your BSM fleet team who will authorise this. Your new provider is AA Autowindshields.
Q Will the livery change?
A All livery will continue to be BSM branded
Pupils
Q How will you decide whether to give pupils to me or an AA Franchisee?
A We are operating as 2 separate franchise businesses, BSM pupils will be allocated to BSM instructors as they always have been.
Q Will our pupils now have access to the AA web site?
A No. If your pupils purchased lessons through BSM then you will continue to have the same facilities available.
Q Will lesson prices remain as they are?
A There are currently no plans in place to change lesson pricing. However, it is our intention to introduce differential pricing for lessons with PDI trainees- guaranteeing learners an informed choice and discounted lesson rates if their instructor is not fully-qualified.
Website
Q What is going to happen to the BSM website?
A Yes. This will remain fully functional, ensuring we continue to acquire as many pupils as possible.
There are a couple of interesting things here. First of all, BSM remains BSM as far as the brand is concerned. However, there is to be a consultation involving the way BSM operates, and about which the AA will not speculate. Secondly, under ‘Pupils’ it is made clear that the AA intends to change the price PDIs (trainee instructors) can charge and to make it clear to new pupils whether they are being trained by a PDI or not.