Date Time
Ombudsman backs ACCC’s concerns over Woolworths’ PFD tilt
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Kate Carnell says the ACCC is rightly concerned about Woolworths’ proposed acquisition of 65% of PFD Food Services Pty Ltd.
In October, the Ombudsman wrote to the ACCC to formally oppose the $552 million deal, saying it would be detrimental to small businesses in the food distribution space and the economy more broadly.
“We share the ACCC’s competition concerns as detailed in its preliminary statement ahead of its final decision next year,” Ms Carnell says.
“My office has made it clear to the ACCC that the proposed deal would likely add to Woolworths’ already substantial bargaining power in its dealings with food manufacturers.
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman
Ombudsman welcomes landmark insolvency reforms
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Kate Carnell has welcomed the passage of legislation, overhauling the national insolvency framework.
The legislation, which comes into effect from 1 January 2021, will make it easier for small businesses to restructure or wind up and are in line with the Ombudsman’s Insolvency Practices Inquiry final report released in July.
“These landmark reforms will give otherwise viable small businesses a chance to recover and prevent a wave of unnecessary insolvencies,” Ms Carnell says.
“It’s an absolute game-changer for small businesses, particularly those that have been heavily impacted by the COVID crisis.
Immediation founder Laura Keily. Source: supplied.
Disputes mediation platform Immediation has raised $3.75 million in Series A funding, after COVID-19 led to a tech overhaul of the legal system and 1000% growth.
The funding comes amid calls for easier access to justice for SMEs, with small business ombudsman Kate Carnell noting an uptick in disputes during the COVID-19 pandemic, and saying small business owners are more likely to walk away that tackle an inaccessible court system.
Immediation’s backers include Thorney Investment Group, the fund of Aussie billionaire Alex Waislitz, as well as Euroz Hartleys Securities and SG Hiscock.
The cash injection follows a mammoth year of growth for the Melbourne startup, which offers an online route for resolving legal disputes, without anyone having to go to court.
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