Note 18 – Restructuring

In the third quarter of 2023, the Company began a restructuring plan that involves exiting company-owned transition studios and other measures designed to reduce costs to achieve the Company’s long-term margin goals and focus on pure franchise operations. The plan was approved and initiated in the third quarter of 2023 and is expected to continue throughout 2024, however ultimate timing will depend on lease termination negotiations. During the fourth quarter of 2023 the Company's restructuring plan was expanded due to the addition of Rumble company-owned transition studios to the restructuring plan and a refranchising plan that was terminated by the Company due to the refranchisor’s non-compliance with the franchise agreements, and the subsequent closure of certain studios. This refranchise termination resulted in the Company incurring losses for contract termination expenses, other expenses associated with exiting the studios, and loss contingencies related to the refranchisor’s unpaid payroll. The Company expects to recognize additional restructuring charges throughout 2024 totaling approximately $23,000 to $27,000, for rent expense, including amortization of the right-of-use asset and accretion of the operating lease liability, lease termination gains or losses, and other variable lease costs related to company-owned transition studios and other restructuring charges. The Company is negotiating lease terminations for operating leases for certain studios for which the Company has lease liabilities recorded and the expected cash payments and expenses to exit the lease may be greater than expected rent expense for that period, depending on the outcome of lease termination negotiations.

During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recognized total restructuring charges of $13,787, primarily for accelerated amortization of right-of-use assets, contract termination and other associated costs, loss on lease termination and sale or disposal of assets, and other restructuring charges.