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Franchise & Competition Law Briefing — 4 June 2026

Franchise Law Briefing

4 June 2026

ACCC calls for a stronger Horticulture Code as Fruitico and Fresh Express pay record penalties for alleged breaches

4 June 2026 • ACCC media releases (Australia)

The ACCC secured record penalties against WA produce companies Fruitico and Fresh Express for Horticulture Code breaches, underscoring the regulator’s drive for tougher mandatory industry codes and flagging the enforcement posture likely to flow through to Franchising Code compliance.

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ACCC approves Ampol’s acquisition of EG Australia, subject to conditions

3 June 2026 • ACCC media releases (Australia)

The ACCC gave conditional approval to Ampol’s acquisition of EG Australia — a major fuel retail franchise network — imposing requirements to address competition concerns that directly affect franchised and licensed service station operators.

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Australia raises minimum wage 4.75%

2 June 2026 • QSR Media Australia (Australia)

The national minimum wage will rise 4.75% from 1 July 2026, materially lifting labour costs for franchise systems — especially in QSR, retail and hospitality — once the increase flows through to penalty rates, overtime, superannuation and payroll tax.

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Minimum wage rises 4.75 per cent: How will SMEs fare?

2 June 2026 • Inside Small Business (Australia)

COSBOA warns the 4.75% minimum wage rise compounds across overtime, penalty rates, allowances, payroll tax and superannuation, creating serious cost pressures for SME franchisees already contending with low business confidence.

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Collins Foods completes German KFC restaurant acquisition

2 June 2026 • QSR Media Australia (Australia)

ASX-listed Collins Foods, Australia’s largest KFC franchisee, completed its acquisition of eight KFC restaurants in Germany from JJ Restaurant GmbH, advancing its international franchise expansion strategy.

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Consumer Express | May 2026 Edition – Lexology

1 June 2026 • Lexology (Australia)

This legal analysis examines the Franchising Code of Conduct’s regulatory framework and notes that while franchisees hold various Code protections, ongoing compliance and enforcement issues remain front-of-mind for the sector.

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Peter Warren’s acquisition of Wakeling Automotive sites requires Phase 2 review

2 June 2026 • ACCC media releases (Australia)

The ACCC escalated Peter Warren’s proposed acquisition of 30 new car dealership sites to a Phase 2 merger review, signalling heightened competition scrutiny in the automotive dealer and franchise sector.

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How Australian Franchise Owners Are Being Targeted by SMS Scams — and What to Do About It

3 June 2026 • Business Franchise Australia (Australia)

Australian franchise owners face escalating SMS scam threats that exploit routine operational messages such as supplier reminders and bank updates, making it essential for franchisors to roll out system-wide cyber-security protocols.

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