The recent Federal Court decision in ASIC v Bekier (Liability Judgment) [2026] is a timely reminder of the high standards expected of company directors and officers. The case arose from governance failures at The Star Entertainment Group (“The Star”). The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) alleged that former CEO and Managing Director Matthias Bekier [...]
Hard as it is to believe, the end of financial year (EOFY) is almost upon us once again; it’s the time of year in business to tie up the loose ends, get the books in order, shift any surplus or miscellaneous stock, and approach a new financial year with a clean slate and with your [...]
For many small supply and manufacturing businesses, securing a contract with a major retailer or distributor is a significant commercial milestone. It can mean volume, credibility and growth. However, it often comes with a non-negotiable “standard form” agreement that shifts disproportionate risk onto the smaller party. Under Australia’s unfair contract terms (UCT) framework, certain terms [...]
During 2026, Rankin Business Lawyers will be presenting a series of articles providing guidance on what to do when preparing a business for sale. To kick off, this month we cover sales readiness and vendor due diligence, and steps that can be taken to build trust before going to market. Sale Readiness and Vendor [...]