Succession; right of first refusal; marine dealers

A. The terms of the franchise notwithstanding, any marine dealer may appoint by will, or other written instrument, a designated successor to succeed in the ownership interest of the marine dealer in the marine dealership upon the death or incapacity of the marine dealer. B. Unless good cause exists for refusal to honor the succession on the part of the manufacturer or distributor, any designated successor of a deceased or incapacitated marine dealer of a marine dealership may succeed to the ownership of the marine dealership under the existing franchise if: (1) The designated successor gives the manufacturer or distributor written notice of his intention to succeed to the ownership of the marine dealer within sixty days of the marine dealer's death or incapacity. (2) The designated successor agrees to be bound by all the terms and conditions of the franchise. C. The manufacturer or distributor may request, and the designated successor shall provide, promptly upon such request, personal and financial data reasonably necessary to determine whether the succession should be honored. D. If a manufacturer or distributor believes that good cause exists for refusing to honor the succession of a deceased or incapacitated marine dealer, the manufacturer or distributor may, not more than sixty days following receipt of notice of the designated successor's intent to succeed and receipt of such personal or financial data, serve upon the designated successor notice of its refusal to honor the succession and of its intent to discontinue the existing franchise with the marine dealer not earlier than six months from the date such notice is served. E. The notice must state the specific grounds for the refusal to honor the succession. F. If notice of refusal and discontinuance is not timely served upon the designated successor, the franchise shall continue in effect subject to termination only as otherwise permitted by this Part. G. In determining whether good cause for the refusal to honor the succession exists, the manufacturer or distributor has the burden of proving that the designated successor is not of good moral character or does not otherwise meet the manufacturer's or distributor's reasonable standards as a marine dealer. H. If a manufacturer or distributor refuses to honor the succession to the ownership interest of a deceased or incapacitated owner for good cause, then and in such event the manufacturer or distributor shall allow the designated successor a reasonable period of time which shall not be less than six months in which to consummate a sale of the marine dealership. Any such sale shall be subject to R.S. 32:1270.1(2)(d).