Business Advice

Third McDonald’s franchisee faces court for allegedly denying workers paid rest breaks

Franchising

Sarah Stowe

1 June 2021

Three South Australian McDonald’s franchisees are facing allegations of workplace breaches in the Federal Court, after the South Australian Branch of the SDA lodged a landmark case.

Health club chain Viva Leisure faces legal action from 53 Fitness Plus franchisees

Franchising

Lois Maskiell

17 May 2021

A group of franchisees of the gym chain Viva Leisure are taking legal action against their franchisor over a change to their agreement.

Budget 2021: New franchise disclosure registry to be established as Ombudsman’s office gets more funding

Economy

Eloise Keating

11 May 2021

The federal government has used the budget to announce plans for a new mandatory franchise disclosure registry to help prospective franchisees access the information they need.

Jim’s Mowing franchisee demands compensation from Vic government for lost wages during lockdown

Coronavirus

Stephanie Palmer-Derrien

7 May 2021

A Jim’s Mowing franchisee is filing a compensation claim against the Victorian government, after he was forced to stop working during the COVID-19 lockdown.

ACCC urges franchisees to “do their homework” after court fines nation-wide courier franchise $1.9 million

Franchising

Lois Maskiell

7 May 2021

The ACCC is renewing calls for prospective franchisees to “do their homework” after a courier company was fined $1.9 million.

“It’s been a tough decision”: Family-run Beaumont Tiles franchise acquired by Bunnings

Construction & Engineering

Lois Maskiell

29 April 2021

Hardware giant Bunnings has acquired the 61-year-old family-run tile and bathroomware business Beaumont Tiles.

Global growth: Sydney-based Gelatissimo to open 20 new locations and enter the US market

Franchising

Tong Van

14 April 2021

Gelato brand Gelatissimo is scheduled to enter the US market this year and will also accelerate its expansion plan in Australia.

Laser Clinics Australia embroiled in legal dispute, with 52 franchises demanding $80 million in compensation

Franchising

Lois Maskiell

29 March 2021

Laser hair removal network Laser Clinics Australia has become the subject of legal action, after a group of its franchisees lodged a letter of dispute seeking $80 million in compensation.

“Levelling the playing field”: New ombudsman backs bigger fines for large automotive companies breaching the franchise code at the expense of small business

Franchising

Lois Maskiell

15 March 2021

Multinational car companies found to seriously breach the franchising code could soon face up to $10 million fines.

Court finds Megasave Couriers breached consumer law by misleading franchisees

Franchising

Lois Maskiell

5 March 2021

The Federal Court has found Australia-wide courier delivery franchisor Megasave misled franchisees with false income guarantees.