Retail

A franchisee class action against United Petroleum over alleged loss-making Pie Face stores has been ordered to hand over $3.7 million in security, with a judge finding it was not likely to stultify the class action.

Muffin Break franchisor Foodco has defeated a franchisee's challenge to a ruling that put it on the hook for money owed under a rental agreement after the lease for the store at the Bayside Shopping Centre in Frankston was not renewed.

The competition regulator has signed off on Woolworths' acquisition of chilled ready meals supplier Beak & Johnston, finding rival retailers would still have plenty of options for supplying ready meals.

The High Court will weigh in on the relevance of reputation in passing off claims, taking up an appeal by Bed Bath N’ Table of a finding that rival retailer House did not engage in misleading and deceptive conduct in setting up its Bed & Bath stores.

Clothing brand Jeanswest will close more than 90 stores across the country after being placed in voluntary administration for the second time in five years.

The ACCC has found Coles and Woolworths operate as an oligopoly with "little incentive" to compete but has stopped short of recommending a break-up or similar strong measures, saying there is no "silver bullet".

Victoria's State Revenue Office must pay the bulk of costs incurred by shopping centre landlord Vicinity in a successful challenge to $82.5 million in stamp duty slapped on land occupied by Myer and Emporium in Melbourne's city centre.

Two law firms have reached an agreement to join their class actions against Harvery Norman alleging the furniture retailer sold worthless warranties.

Real estate fund manager Centuria Capital Group has sold SRG House, a three-storey office building in North Brisbane which is the current headquarters for retailer Super Retail Group, for $55.5 million.