Trusted Adviser for Prestige Motor Dealer Group

In a recent legal battle at the County Court of Victoria, an international vehicle parts manufacturer faced a significant challenge: recovering a substantial debt of $1.3 m from an Australian distribution partner. However, what seemed like a straightforward debt recovery case took a contentious turn when the defendants filed a $1.3 m counterclaim.

The distributor counterclaimed, contending our client breached an alleged exclusive distribution agreement and/or engaged in misleading conduct and as such, sought damages under the Australian Consumer Law.

These allegations posed a serious threat not only to our client’s financial interests but also to their reputation in the

A potential $4 million liability looming on the horizon would be nothing short of stressful for any business. After all, the likelihood of bankruptcy or significant layoffs to pay such a claim could mean the end of the business.

Our client, an international hotel manager, faced a commercial dispute with an owner of a hotel that our client managed.

The owner accused our client of breaching duties and implied contractual terms, leading to alleged losses of nearly $4 million, including damage and loss of revenue.

Our client counterclaimed for $300,000 in unpaid fees. 

We successfully negotiated a settlement, resulting in

When running a business, trust is paramount.

Unfortunately, our clients found out the hard way that a director in their company had been misusing company funds to the tune of $2.5 million for his own personal gain and to benefit his private entities.

Time is of the Essence

When dealing with cases of financial misconduct, time is of the essence. We swiftly obtained freezing orders against the director personally and his shareholding entity which traded with his other businesses. This was essential in preventing assets from being dissipated, leaving our clients (as creditors) with little to recover.

Once we had

Tailored and well-structured standard form contracts are the bedrock of robust commercial relationships, for both business and consumer relationships. They provide clarity for all parties and ensure businesses are compliant with their legal obligations.

By proactively outlining and communicating equitable terms by way of a standard form contract, businesses not only mitigate the risk of customer actions in respect of the contract for uncertainty or unfair terms, but also cultivate trust, credibility, and enduring relationships with clients.

However, even the most robust contract will not prevent claims of unfair contract terms.

This was demonstrated in a case where we represented

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Onerous and punishing – the new unfair contract terms regime will affect thousands of businesses standard form of contracts.

Is your business prepared for the changes? 

Join us at 12pm on Wednesday, May 24th as we hear Anna Taylor – Principal at Results Legal and Jeff George – Head of Risk and Group Services of NCI discuss the upcoming changes to the unfair contract terms regime which come into force on 9 November 2023.

About the Webinar

The changes to the unfair contract terms regime bring about significant changes which will likely affect all

When it comes to written agreements in a commercial context, attention is often paid to the drafting and scope of terms. However, evidence suggests, that often, “incorporation” of those terms is key.  In other words, the scope of the terms has no weight if they are not properly incorporated into the contract.

The recent Victorian Court of Appeal judgment in Cant v Mad Brothers Earthmoving Pty Ltd [2020] VSCA 198 clarifies the circumstances in which a payment from a third party may constitute an unfair preference. The decision is important to any creditors with potential exposure to unfair preference claims and for insolvency practitioners seeking to pursue such claims.

The voluntary administration regime is intended to maximise the chance of a company continuing or to provide a better return to creditors than an immediate winding up of the company. The regime offers great flexibility. This leaves it open to abuse by directors and related entities seeking to avoid legitimate debts, scrutiny of their conduct or to obtain a direct benefit for themselves.

The Results Legal team was recently engaged to assist one of our banking clients seize and sell land subject to first registered mortgage security.

A shipping container filled with specialised mining and drilling equipment was located on the secured property.

After taking possession of the property, our client was contacted by a third party who claimed ownership of the mining and drilling equipment.