A Rare Australian Franchisee Win

After a 12 year battle against his franchisor an Australian franchisee has finally won his case in Court. And now he is broke.

The former franchisee of motor vehicle repairer Auto Masters is broke despite a successful court action against the company, which he was forced to fight on his own after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission refused to help.  Fairfax

Associate professor at the University of NSW school of business law and taxation Frank Zumbo summed up what now faces the franchisee David Coombes, his family, friends and employees;

an ACCC that repeatedly fails to pursue cases in a timely way and by a judicial system where legal costs can far exceed the amount in dispute

Those that represent the ACCC and work for FCA interests would be mighty proud of that effort. That’s the legal system that Australian franchisees have to contend with. Is it any wonder that the franchising industry can claim few complaints?

There is something terribly wrong when the franchisee is left penniless despite winning in court.