Most Recent
Citing coronavirus, judge orders limited discovery in ANZ, Westpac ‘junk’ insurance class actions
Noting the challenge of searching for documentary evidence while employees are working from home, a judge overseeing two consumer class actions against ANZ and Westpac has directed the banks to hand over only a limited number of documents to the applicants, and given them extra time to do it.
ACCC was unreasonable to pursue cartel appeal, Cussons says
Personal healthcare giant PZ Cussons is seeking indemnity costs from the ACCC, claiming the regulator unreasonably rejected a settlement offer in its case over an alleged laundry detergent cartel.
Judge OKs notice in Westpac class action foreshadowing ‘expense sharing order’
A judge has approved a notice in a class action against Westpac alerting group members that an "expense sharing order" will be sought by the applicants if or when the case settles, the first ruling of its kind since the High Court struck down common fund orders.
Judge shoots down amendment to group definition in Uber class action
A judge has denied a bid by the applicant in a massive class action against ride-sharing giant Uber to amend the group definition to include successors and assignees of those with claims, saying the request was made too late and that it was not clear who exactly would be included in the new group.
Asahi’s $16B deal to buy CUB gets competition approval with sell-off
The competition watchdog has signed off on the $16 billion acquisition of Carlton & United Breweries by Asahi after the Japanese beer giant offered to shed key beer and cider brands to seal the deal.
Barristers to robe up at home for trial by videochat in ACCC case against Kogan
Barristers for the ACCC and online retailer Kogan have been asked to robe up at home as the previously in-person trial shifts to videochat in response to the COVID-19 health crisis.
ACCC approves Bunnings’ takeover of Adelaide Tools
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has found Bunnings' $30 million takeover of Adelaide Tools and Oaklands Mower Centre would not substantially lessen competition, but warned it would closely scrutinise future moves that would further cement the hardware giant's dominant position.
TasPorts slams ACCC case, says extra fees don’t amount to misuse of market power
Tasmanian state-owned ports company TasPorts has admitted to charging additional fees to the owner of a local port, but has denied the ACCC's allegations that these actions constituted a misuse of market power designed to stymie competition.
Law firm investigates class action against opioid makers
The makers or popular opioid drugs like OxyContin and Fentanyl may face a class action in Australia by consumers who allege they suffered financial loss from the addictive drugs.
Competition and consumer law amid the pandemic: Your guide to avoiding viral confusion
While these unprecedented and challenging times are placing profound pressure on the operations and financial position of businesses, it’s important to remember that companies are not exempt from complying with the competition and consumer laws. King & Wood Mallesons' Peta Stevenson, Caroline Coop, Lisa Huett and Simon Cook give companies a guide to navigating unexpected challenges when dealing with competitors, consumers and other parties during the COVID-19 health crisis.