Franchising is a business opportunity both for those who want to buy into an existing franchise and for those with a creative business concept that they can sell to others.

Mr. Cooke has worked with clients in evaluating the purchase of franchise opportunities, in ongoing negotiations between franchisees and franchisors and in evaluating franchise concepts.

When you are evaluating a Franchisor, Business Weekª suggests the following:

"SELECT a company with a well-accepted trademark.

TALK to current franchisees and those who have recently left the system. Franchisors are required by law to provide such names.

ASK FRANCHISORS about any litigation against the company and research it further.

EVALUATE the franchisor's business and marketing plans. Make sure ad dollars will get pumped back into your franchise market.

KEEP A RECORD of conversations, including date, persons talked to, promises made. Issues to consider: How close by can the franchisor place a competing unit? Are franchisees subject to mandatory arbitration?

INCLUDE ANY PROMISES made by the franchisor in the final written agreement. Otherwise, they probably won't be binding.

WORK with an experienced franchise attorney and a financial consultant who understands the franchising business."

Business Week, "Franchising: A Recipe For Your Second Career?" March 4, 1996 By Laura Koss-Feder.

Mr. Cooke can be reached at (312) 497-9002 or at "gc@Cookeslaw.com"