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 AUSTRALIA
FRANCHISE NEWS ARCHIVE
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: Jan - Jun 2009
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Liquidators sell off Kleenmaid assets. Kleenmaid liquidators have sold two of the group's businesses in an attempt to repay millions of dollars of debt. .... [more]
30 Jun, 2009
Kleenmaid bosses' fate in ASIC's hands. The corporate watchdog will decide if Kleenmaid's bosses will face prosecution for insolvent trading after liquidators lodged submissions today. .... [more]
26 Jun, 2009
State Labor MP blasts federal colleagues. A State Labor MP has come out swinging against his federal colleagues, blasting their handling of the problems besetting one of the nation's largest business sectors. .... [more]
23 Jun, 2009
Investors claim they were duped by Forte School of Music. A Brisbane music school franchise is being scrutinised by the ACCC after unhappy franchisees complained they were duped out of hundreds of thousands of dollars. .... [more]
23 Jun, 2009
Domino's screens staff for swine flu. Domino's Pizza may claim to have the hots and they certainly promise their products will arrive at your door on the warmer side. .... [more]
23 Jun, 2009
Rams Home Loans to lift fixed home loan rates. Specialist mortgage provider Rams Home Loans says it expects to double its franchise distribution network to 160 stores over the next two years to cater for increased demand. .... [more]
19 Jun, 2009
Ovenu makes its mark on Queensland. The world’s largest privately-owned oven cleaning franchise, Ovenu, is expanding across Queensland in response to mounting demand. .... [more]
16 Jun, 2009
Potential franchisees want job security: survey. A survey of 680 people thinking of going into franchising in the next three years has found that 41% say the economic downturn has influenced their decision to buy a franchise. .... [more]
9 Jun, 2009
ACCC hold franchising code of conduct seminar. The ACCC is set to host a franchising seminar (in Darwin) to help businesses understand the Franchising Code of Conduct and the protections it provides to people entering franchise agreements. .... [more]
9 Jun, 2009
Mr Rental reaches 60-store milestone. The Mr Rental franchise, specialising in the rental of white goods and appliances, has this week opened its 60th store. .... [more]
6 Jun, 2009
Failed kitchen king sells up luxury digs. Kleenmaid director Andrew Young's million-dollar waterfront home on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland is on the market a week after creditors voted to wind up the failed whitegoods company. .... [more]
4 Jun, 2009
Emerson to act on franchising report. After nearly six months since the Ripoll franchising report was tabled in Federal Parliament, small business minister Craig Emerson has finally broken his silence and indicated he is ready to begin "targeted" consultations on the reforms proposed in the report. .... [more]
3 Jun, 2009
Need for action on franchise reforms. The Federal Government is still holding "targeted consultations" on a report recommending franchise industry reforms almost six months after it was released. .... [more]
1 Jun, 2009
Kleenmaid's loyalty program was too good to be true. A few weeks before surrendering his company Kleenmaid to the corporate undertakers, Andrew Eric Young had a bright idea. As Kleenmaid sank, its director decided to start a new customer rewards program. .... [more]
30 May, 2009
Optimists abound amid the recession. Franchising has been a fast-growth industry and has boasted about its low failure rates, but this is the first recession the industry has confronted in 18 years. .... [more]
29 May, 2009
Liberals lash franchise delay. An MP at the forefront of the fight for franchising reform says Federal small business minister Craig Emerson has "blood on his hands" by not quickly implementing changes to the $128 billion-a-year industry. .... [more]
29 May, 2009
Get a heads-up just to survive: franchisees. When longstanding fashion accessory group Klein last year become the single largest retail franchise in Australia to collapse, owing nearly $20million, 130 franchisees were left wishing they could have done more to prevent their own demise. .... [more]
29 May, 2009
Tired title to fresh franchise: branding. Sales are weak and hungry rivals are crowding the gate, so seismic change may seem like the last thing a serious franchise would pursue right now, yet several high-profile franchises have started overhauling their brand in the past 12 months. .... [more]
29 May, 2009
'Sorry' Kleenmaid founder tries to jump the creditor queue. THE founder of failed whitegoods company Kleenmaid offered his "sympathy" yesterday to creditors left $82 million out of pocket. Kleenmaid director Andrew Young then leap-frogged thousands of customers, contractors and franchisees in the creditors' queue by lodging a $9 million proof of debt. .... [more]
26 May, 2009
Franchisors call for exemption from new unfair contract laws. The franchising industry is seeking exemption from the Government's proposed legislation on unfair contracts, saying the application of the new laws to SMEs is ambiguous and will create confusion. .... [more]
22 May, 2009
Labor rift developing over franchise frustration. The first signs of cracks between state and federal Labor MPs have appeared over the issue of reforming the troubled franchise industry. .... [more]
22 May, 2009
Snap Fitness Announces Expansion into Australia and New Zealand. Snap Fitness, the world’s fastest growing franchisor of compact, state-of-the-art fitness centers, announced today a partnership with a privately-held, Australian-based area development group. .... [more]
21 May, 2009
Franchise Code change legal bills topped $9 million. Changes to the Franchising Code of Conduct last year cost franchisors more than $9.42 million in legal fees to update franchise agreements and legal documentation, according to new research. .... [more]
21 May, 2009
The Coffee Club poised for overseas expansion. One of Australia's fastest growing café groups is going from strength to strength with a Thai partner. .... [more]
21 May, 2009
ACCC stuff up; it could have stopped Kleenmaid five years ago. An ex franchisee of the Kleenmaid Group has revealed that in 2004 a group of Kleenmaid franchisees complained to the ACCC in regards to unconscionable conduct carried out by the manufacturer. The ACCC dismissed the claims.... [more]
20 May, 2009
'Kleenmaid has ruined the integrity of the industry': Retravision store owner. The downfall of Kleenamaid has definitely angered the majority of the Australian community and according to a Retravision store owner; it has damaged the entire industries reputation. .... [more]
20 May, 2009
Claim Kleenmaid money used for boat. The corporate regulator will investigate allegations that $380,000 may have been paid out of the accounts of the now-collapsed Kleenmaid towards a loan on director Andrew Young's personal boat as well as for expenses such as fuel. .... [more]
20 May, 2009
Kleenmaid risks insolvent trade charge. Kleenmaid was still taking customers' money for orders while racking up debts of more than $100 million, administrators say. .... [more]
19 May, 2009
Aussie Expo Sector Defies Economic Slowdown. A number of prominent Australian expos (including Sydney’s Franchising Expo) have reported visitor numbers that far outstripped organiser predictions of a slump as a result of to the economic slowdown. .... [more]
14 May, 2009
Property agent's franchisor out to spread brand nationally. The Australian franchisor of the Coldwell Banker real estate brand is raising $3.7 million from investors to fund a national expansion of the business. .... [more]
9 May, 2009
Conditions worsen for small business. Small businesses in every state have reported worsening business conditions, a survey shows. .... [more]
6 May, 2009
Kleenmaid boss Andrew Young sorts family rift. Kleenmaid boss Andrew Young says his relationship with his son Jared remains strong, despite learning he is claiming $300,000 against his father's company. .... [more]
6 May, 2009
Harvey Norman downgraded as spending slows. Slowing consumer spending in uncertain economic will increase the risk associated with Harvey Norman shares, analysts say. .... [more]
5 May, 2009
Act on franchising report, Minister told. Pressure is mounting on Small Business Minister Craig Emerson to act on a joint Parliamentary report into franchising, handed to his office five months ago. .... [more]
4 May, 2009
Kleenmaid customers offered deals. A Melbourne company is offering out-of-pocket Kleenmaid customers discounts on their lost kitchen appliances. Camberwell Electrics says it has received hundreds of calls from emotional customers. .... [more]
1 May, 2009
Kleenmaid a disaster bound to happen. The $76 million collapse of the Sunshine Coast-based company Kleenmaid appears to have been a disaster waiting to happen. .... [more]
25 Apr, 2009
Noodle used to build chain. Dave Milne, 36, says it was an epiphany in his early 20s while on a working holiday in Europe that set his course in business. .... [more]
25 Apr, 2009
Kleenmaid customers walk out. An administrator sifting through the finances of failed appliance retailer Kleenmaid says he can understand why customers who attended today's creditors meeting were so angry about losing their deposits. .... [more]
24 Apr, 2009
Harvey World insists it's safe. The Harvey World Travel chain says it would have no exposure to any financial troubles of its parent Stella tourism empire, which is understood to have bled hundreds of millions of dollars in the past year. .... [more]
24 Apr, 2009
Administrator says Kleenmaid customers won't get goods they paid for. The administrator for failed whitegoods company Kleenmaid says customers who paid for appliances won't be receiving them. .... [more]
24 Apr, 2009
Coldwell Banker Australia Goes Public. Coldwell Banker Australia announced today that it is commencing a public offering of ordinary shares to expand the current business model and to boost its real estate franchise network. .... [more]
23 Apr, 2009
McHealth risk? Adelaide City Council says no. Squashed chips, spilled soft drinks and paper wrappings litter the floor - but Adelaide City Council says this isn't a health risk. .... [more]
19 Apr, 2009
Secret stash of Kleenmaid stock. Millions of dollars worth of Kleenmaid stock remains in storage around the country, even though $27 million worth of appliance orders were left outstanding when the company collapsed just over a week ago. .... [more]
19 Apr, 2009
Director sparks Kleenmaid customers' fury. Customers have reacted with fury to the upbeat attitude and advice of one of the directors of failed white goods company Kleenmaid. .... [more]
18 Apr, 2009
Franchisee charged over fund raising. A franchisee of embattled financial planning group Power Loan has been charged with raising $8 million from small investors without a financial services licence. .... [more]
18 Apr, 2009
Kleenmaid collapse 'highlights need for franchisor regulation'. A peak law group says last week's collapse of whitegoods company Kleenmaid highlights the need for changes to the national franchising code of conduct. .... [more]
17 Apr, 2009
It's still 'business as usual' at failed whitegoods company, says Kleenmaid director. A direcor of failed whitegoods company Kleenmaid has recommended that customers who paid his company for goods they never received demand the money back from their bank. .... [more]
17 Apr, 2009
ACCC backs franchisee action against Allphones. Mobile phone retailer Allphones could be forced to pay millions of dollars in damages after the corporate watchdog agreed to represent more than 100 franchisees pursuing allegedly withheld commissions. .... [more]
16 Apr, 2009
Kleenmaid directors post YouTube video. Kleenmaid's directors have taken to the internet to explain to customers their decision to put the kitchen and laundry appliance seller into voluntary administration. .... [more]
15 Apr, 2009
Being squeezed by Harvey Norman. There's no question that parts of the retail industry perked up a little as a result of the first government stimulus package in December and January. .... [more]
15 Apr, 2009
Writing was on the wall for Kleenmaid early last year, says former employee. Kleenmaid couldn't pay its bills and had even been locked out of one store mid-last year because rent hadn't been paid, a former staff member says. .... [more]
15 Apr, 2009
Kleenmaid said all was well: franchisee. A Kleenmaid franchisee says the company's directors had assured him and others the business was in fine shape only five weeks ago. .... [more]
15 Apr, 2009
Minister's silence angers franchisees. As yet another national franchise bites the dust, those at the coalface are angry the Federal Government appears to be doing nothing to usher in much-hyped reforms to the $128-billion-a-year industry. .... [more]
14 Apr, 2009
Collapse of Kleenmaid should ring warning bells. With economic conditions continuing to deteriorate the spotlight is now well and truly on the vulnerability of franchise systems. Placed into administration late last week, the Queensland-based kitchen and laundry franchise Kleenmaid joins three franchisors - Kleins, EzyDVD and Midas - which have failed in the past 10 months. .... [more]
14 Apr, 2009
Franchises back in BoQ hands. More than a quarter of the Bank of Queensland's troubled franchised branch network in NSW is in the hands of head-office managers as the bank seeks to turn around the prospects of its owner-managed business model in the state. .... [more]
13 Apr, 2009
Kleenmaid kitchen empire sinks with $67m debt. The Kleenmaid kitchen and laundry appliance empire -- founded by a washing machine repair man almost 25 years ago -- has been swept into administration owing $67 million. .... [more]
11 Apr, 2009
Mortgage Choice is looking for a new chief. Mortgage Choice is searching for a chief executive after the resignation of managing director Paul Lahiff yesterday. The independently owned mortgage broker said it was looking for an external replacement under the new title of chief executive and Mr Lahiff would remain in the role until the transition was completed. .... [more]
2 Apr, 2009
Cash Converters unable to explain share price rise. Pawn broking and second-hand store franchisor Cash Converters says it is at a loss to explain a recent surge in its share price. .... [more]
1 Apr, 2009
Wizard franchisees to sue Aussie Home Loans and GE money. Angry Wizard franchisees are gearing up for legal action against their new owner, Aussie Home Loans, and GE Money, the finance giant that sold them to Aussie last year. .... [more]
29 Mar, 2009
Strathfield to launch 60 new stores. Retailer Strathfield Group Ltd, which came out of voluntary administration this month, says it's back in business and plans to open 60 new stores. .... [more]
27 Mar, 2009
kwp! wins national contract. Franchise business Allied Brands has picked Adelaide-based advertising firm kwp! to promote retail brands Baskin & Robbins, The Cookie Man and Kenny's Cardiology. .... [more]
25 Mar, 2009
Australian companies looking to India for business opportunities. The global financial crisis has slammed shut the door to established export destinations, such as Japan, Europe and the US, prompting some Australian companies to seek new markets. .... [more]
23 Mar, 2009
KFC defends operator of dirty stores. KFC has defended a franchisee that repeatedly ignored warnings to clean up its act at two filthy stores in Sydney's south. .... [more]
12 Mar, 2009
Minister under fire over franchise delay. Several months after an inquiry into the contentious world of one of Australia's biggest industries, those involved are still no closer to finding out if anything will be done. .... [more]
11 Mar, 2009
Retail giant Harvey Norman's net profit halved. Harvey Norman has taken a big hit from the worsening economic downturn reporting its first-half net profit had more than halved to $99.33million. .... [more]
28 Feb, 2009
McDonald’s disputes allegations of targeting poor for price rises. Plans by fast-food giant McDonald’s to raise prices on its menu have been under fire, with the company forced to refute allegations that poorer suburbs - where consumers are more willing to pay more - will receive the bulk of price hikes. .... [more]
26 Feb, 2009
Franchising feels the pain. It’s not going to be a rosy year for any business model, but franchising’s crystal ball is especially foggy. We delve into the likely scenarios to get a better view. .... [more]
26 Feb, 2009
Gloria Jean’s hits Czech Republic. The coffee business is said to be recession proof, and franchise Gloria Jean’s is attempting to prove just that by opening its first store in the Czech Republic. .... [more]
26 Feb, 2009
Inspectors to watch McDonalds pricing. The South Australian Government has fast food chain McDonalds in its sights over news of a new pricing structure. It says the food chain must reveal whether it plans to raise prices at selected restaurants, especially those in some lower-income areas. .... [more]
26 Feb, 2009
Wizard franchisee: "We would have said no to Aussie deal". A Wizard franchise owner, who spoke to Brokernews on the condition of anonymity, says many franchise owners are unhappy about the deal GE Money made with Aussie, and would have opposed it. "Franchisees are up in arms," the franchise owner said. .... [more]
25 Feb, 2009
McDonald's to charge more in poorer suburbs. McDonald's is lifting prices in poorer suburbs where it believes consumers are more likely to accept higher charges without complaint. .... [more]
25 Feb, 2009
Food award will 'take away' jobs. Australians are eating out less as the economy loses momentum, and the big fast food companies say they can't afford to comply with upcoming national employment standards. .... [more]
20 Feb, 2009
Harvey Norman makes sweeping franchisee changes. In a bid to maintain its leading position in Australian electrical retail, Harvey Norman has decided to move a large number of franchisees to different locations and hire new franchisees. .... [more]
19 Feb, 2009
Retail Food Group posts rise in profit. Retail food brand management and franchiser Retail Food Group Ltd has reported a net profit rise of almost 20 per cent for the first half despite challenging retail conditions. .... [more]
17 Feb, 2009
Cash-strapped customers flock to fast food outlets. Fast food stores are weathering the economic downturn far better than fine dining nosheries as cash-strapped customers trade down from white-tablecloth restaurant service to cheap and cheerful convenience outlets. .... [more]
16 Feb, 2009
Pizza chains get creative as market gets tougher. Pizza chains are changing their product offering to maintain their competitive edge as households tighten their purse strings in the economic downturn. .... [more]
16 Feb, 2009
Franchises support bushfire relief effort. Franchises
are helping fellow Australians affected by the Victorian bushfires;
three pet franchises today set up an animal-focused appeal, while
mobile coffee franchisees have served up coffee to those involved
in the relief effort. .... [more]
11 Feb, 2009
Dymocks buys 80pc stake in Healthy Habits. Book chain Dymocks Group has purchased an 80 per cent stake in sandwich
bar franchise Healthy Habits. This is part of Dymocks' strategy
to take advantage of the current economic climate to grow its retail
and property assets. .... [more]
3 Feb, 2009
Franchisee satisfaction dips as economy turns. Topfranchise.com.au has released the results of a quarterly survey of Australian franchise satisfaction, and updated its list of Australia’s top 10 franchises. But the survey also reveals franchisees are growing concerned about how the downturn will affect business. .... [more]
2 Feb, 2009
Take time to buy a franchise, PWC's Jason Daniels says. Owning your own franchise will have more appeal in 2009 as jobs are hit by the financial crisis, but there is a lot to consider before acting, experts say. .... [more]
2 Feb, 2009
Harvey Norman to close stores. Electronics and furniture retailer Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd plans to close up to 10 stores after sales growth for the fiscal 2009 first half slowed substantially as margins remained under pressure. .... [more]
30 Jan, 2009
Retail chain Strathfield collapses into administration. Mobile phone and car audio retail chain Strathfield has been placed in voluntary administration following a disastrous Christmas trading period. .... [more]
28 Jan, 2009
The franchising trap. The Australian dream of becoming self-employed can be the path to financial security, but it can also go disastrously wrong. .... [more]
26 Jan, 2009
Entertainment Group buys EzyDVD for $10m. Franchise Entertainment Group, the company behind rental brands Blockbuster and Video Ezy in Australasia, has bought failed major DVD retailer EzyDVD. .... [more]
23 Jan, 2009
Boost squeezes into China. When Boost Juice Bars was looking at taking its brand to China, its first stop was Sunnybank, a multicultural area in Brisbane's southern suburbs. .... [more]
23 Jan, 2009
Coast business a cut above the rest. Business owners often say they are committed to providing excellent customer service, but unless you have personally dealt with them, you won't know for sure. Australia's largest Jim's Mowing franchisees, who are based here on the Sunshine Coast, are a decidedly different kettle of fish. .... [more]
21 Jan, 2009
Franchise caper works well. Sunshine Coast, stand by for a Pizza Capers invasion. Steve and Vanessa Davis opened the Coast's first store, the gourmet pizza franchise's 37th, at the Currimundi Marketplace last November. .... [more]
21 Jan, 2009
Pizza Hut to co-brand two stores as Pasta Hut. Pizza Hut is launching a pasta menu and moving into the lunch market to regain leadership in the $700m pizza market. .... [more]
20 Jan, 2009
RFG result defies trend. Australians have been following the culinary advice of Marie Antoinette and the economic advice of Kevin Rudd, boosting sales figures at the Retail Food Group, a seller of all things sweet. .... [more]
20 Jan, 2009
Supply chain overhaul lifts retailer. Retailer 7-Eleven Stores has reached a crucial milestone in its multi-million-dollar SAP upgrade, which will underpin its supply chain and retail operations at 378 outlets. .... [more]
20 Jan, 2009
BSR converts three Queensland stores to the Chandlers brand. BSR Australia, franchisor of the Betta Electrical and Chandlers stores, has signed three existing electrical retail stores into the Chandlers brand name. .... [more]
12 Jan, 2009
Franchises face a shaky 2009. It was a shaky 2008 for franchise businesses but this year could be even worse, a leading academic warns. As administrators and franchisees pore over the wrecks of last year, such as Midas, EzyDVD and Kleins, those considering entering the $128 billion-a-year industry should be more careful than ever. .... [more]
5 Jan, 2009
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