Business Franchise Australia

TRUSTED GLOBALLY FOR OVER 30 YEARS IN FRANCHISING
Menu

Behind the Headlines

Lawyers commence roadshow to promote RFG class action

Lawyers preparing a class action against beleaguered franchise parent, Retail Food Group (RFG) have travelled to several Australian cities across August to speak with former and current franchisees, according to a media report.

The class action would reportedly be based on allegations that RFG behaved unlawfully towards franchisees, causing them to suffer loss or damage, and all former and current franchisees of Michel’s Patisserie are eligible to join.

Vale Rupert Barkoff (1948-2019)

American franchise legal expert Rupert Barkoff recently passed away after complications arising from surgery.

Rupert was a friend to many Australian and New Zealand franchisors and advisors, and each year from 2004 would travel from Atlanta in the United States to the Franchise Council of Australia’s national convention, wherein 2017 he was given a special award by the FCA at its Legal Symposium. Rupert practised in law firm Kilpatrick Townsend for 46 years, and as Chairman of its Franchise Team authored many articles on franchising, and organised or presented at many franchising conferences and legal forums. Each year, he hosted a dinner at the International Franchise Association (IFA) convention in the United States for all Australian and New Zealand delegates.

Rupert was instrumental in assisting several Australian brands in preparing for entry to the US market, particularly pool maintenance chain Poolwerx. His dry wit, sage counsel, boundless curiosity, and penchant for snowglobes will be missed.