Business Advice

“One of the most important franchising cases in Australian history”: Mercedes-Benz dealers sue luxury carmaker for $650 million

Franchising

Emma Elsworthy

4 August 2022

Franchisees of Mercedes-Benz are alleging it breached the franchising code and consumer law after it introduced a new agency model where the manufacturer retains ownership of the cars in the salesroom.

Fake Hog’s Breath Cafe Instagram account confuses diners, draws new attention to small business protections online

Franchising

David Adams

1 August 2022

A strange Instagram account posing as the Hog's Breath Cafe in Orange is now offline, but not after drawing social media's attention.

F45 to cut 110 staff worldwide, lose Australian CEO and co-founder after brutal earnings update

Finance

David Adams

29 July 2022

The cuts come as the Australian-born fitness giant drastically downgrades its growth forecasts and revenue projections due to "macroeconomic uncertainty".

ACCC takes Ultra Tune back to court over allegations it breached franchising orders

Franchising

Eloise Keating

29 June 2022

Car repair business Ultra Tune has again found itself facing legal action from Australia’s competition and consumer watchdog in relation to its dealings with franchisees. 

From one store to $30 million in revenue: Fitstop on how to successfully franchise a business

Plus exclusive

Strategy

Franchising

Peter Hull turned a small group workout session into a 81-store franchise business, and here he shares lessons on building systems, managing conflict, and picking the best tech.

New Zealand’s Hell Pizza prepares to take a slice of the Australian market

Franchising

Tong Van

19 April 2022

The Kiwi gourmet food chain plans to grow its footprint across Queensland to test the market before expanding nationwide.

My biggest mistake: Diana Williams, founder of Fernwood Fitness

Plus exclusive

My Biggest Mistake

Franchising

Fernwood Fitness founder Diana Williams reveals the impact of franchising too fast without capital or the right expertise, and the steps the business took to hit the right speed.

7-Eleven ordered to pay $595,000 after misleading franchisee over lease terms

Franchising

Sarah Stowe

1 April 2022

The retailer was found to have breached the Australian Consumer Law in its pre-purchase dealings with a couple who bought the 7-Eleven Heathmont store in 2015.

Franchise code breaches could now result in $10 million fines

Franchising

Eloise Keating

28 March 2022

Businesses that are found to have breached the franchising code now face potential fines of up to $10 million, as part of continued efforts to stamp out bad behaviour in the sector.

The Cheesecake Shop bought by Aussie investment firm River Capital

Franchising

Sarah Stowe

9 February 2022

The Cheesecake Shop, with its more than 220 stores across Australia and New Zealand, is set to have new owners.