Franchising Sector and the Code of Conduct
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The franchising sector will continue to adjust to the new Franchising Code of Conduct, which took effect in 2025.
Consumer Markets
Businesses selling consumer goods and services by operating local, national or international distribution networks need strategic, specialised advice to establish, grow and protect their operations.
Our Consumer Markets Expertise
Consumer goods and services businesses thrive on a multitude of opportunities when establishing or expanding their wholesale or retail distribution networks. These opportunities encompass the potential for successful franchise models, compliance with competition, consumer, and privacy laws, securing capital for growth, safeguarding intellectual property rights, and effectively managing and resolving disputes.
We collaborate with industries across the consumer market including motor vehicles and dealer networks; household FMCG; wellness, health and beauty, large format retailers, sports and entertainment; luxury goods; and food and beverage.
Our clients range from founders and entrepreneurs, angel investors, and private companies, through to listed multi-nationals and private equity funds.
This broad spectrum allows us to provide precise and commercially grounded strategic advice to new or established franchisors, businesses seeking expansion, founders seeking investment, or those considering exit strategies.
Our expertise in franchising enables us to guide clients through the entire process, recognising the unique nature of each franchise system and tailoring legal documentation accordingly. Likewise, for clients aiming to expand, we assist in selecting the most suitable expansion model to facilitate potential growth.
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Shaun Temby
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Greg Hipwell
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Jacinta Atkinson
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Clare Batrouney
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Nick Holuigue
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Gina Wilson
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Michael Nicolazzo
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Maree Skinner
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Sonia Sharma
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Brendan Tomlinson
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Arlene Colquhoun
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Danielle Funston
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Julian Law
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Bernardo Wood
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Steven Tang
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Damien Wurzel
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Andrew Chapman
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Ron Smooker
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Sefton Warner
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Elizabeth Ireland
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Mira Martin
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Elizabeth Lilley
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Christopher Marsh
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Fiona Wallwork
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Joshua Green
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Edward Howard
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Rebecca Power
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Clare Giugni
Latest insights from the Team
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Featured
Watchdog Recap 2025 - What’s happened & what’s ahead
ByThis year marks a milestone: the tenth edition of our ACCC Year in Review publication.
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Featured
Consumer Markets and Retail
ByIn 2025, the ACCC made solid progress on its stated priorities for the consumer market and retail sector.
More insights
Product Safety
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It was a milestone year for the ACCC in product safety, as it commenced its first Federal Court proceedings...
Customer Data and Digital Platforms Inquiry
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Competition, consumer, and fair trading issues within the digital economy continue to be a key enforcement priority...
Essential Services: Energy
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Throughout 2025, the energy sector continues to present a broad range of competition and consumer law issues.
Cost of living
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While the ACCC pursued (limited) enforcement action to reduce cost of living, it faced challenges in the short term.
Our work
Maddocks advises ASX-listed MyDeal.com.au Limited on its $243 million sale to Woolworths Group Limited
Woolworths acquired 80.2 per cent of the shares in MyDeal.
Maddocks advises Go-To Skincare on partnership with BWX
Maddocks has advised Zoë Foster Blake and co-founders of Go-To Skincare on their sale of 50.1% of their business to BWX.
Maddocks advises Real Pet Food on A$243 million capital raise
Maddocks has advised Real Pet Food on its A$243 million capital raise, enabling continued investment and growth.
Advising NRMA on international master franchise agreement
For the NRMA, the addition of electric cars is a step towards electrifying half its nationwide rental fleet
Advising on Nissan's new dealer agreement
The reforms transform the existing voluntary principles into mandatory obligations under the Franchising Code of Conduct
Mercedes-Benz new agent model and subsequent dispute
A bouquet of industry-first practices, creating a new benchmark in transparency and customer convenience
Other services used by our Consumer Markets clients
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Construction & Projects
Our understanding of the complexities involved with successfully completing mid- and large-scale projects is vital to the delivery of Australia’s infrastructure.
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Corporate & Commercial
We work to establish, expand and defend clients’ businesses, from large multinational and Australian companies through to startups and individuals.
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Dispute Resolution & Litigation
Disputes and disagreements are part of doing business. Our approach is to resolve a dispute first, before winning in court when necessary.
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Employment & Workplace
An engaged workforce doesn’t just happen; our expertise ensures our clients create and maintain safe, compliant and efficient workplaces.
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Real Estate
From the purchase of land to the sale or lease of a building, we advise our clients on the full lifecycle of property development projects.
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