Areas of Expertise

General Corporate & Commercial Law, Franchising, Commercial Property, Business Law

Philip has more than 30 years' experience as a commercial and business lawyer working for a range of domestic and international clients, including Australian public companies, private businesses, not-for-profit organisations, international businesses, franchisors and franchisees.

Philip regularly advises on commercial and corporate issues, including contracts for the acquisition and disposal of businesses, relationships with third parties, supply agreements and terms of engagement and supply, and regulatory compliance.

Philip also has significant experience in the franchise sector. He acts for national and international franchisors to develop franchising documentation for franchise systems and ensure compliance with the Franchising Code of Conduct. He has advised clients that are transitioning their business models to franchise systems. Philip advises on the operation of franchise businesses in wholesaling, retailing, distribution, and licensing of commercial undertakings and business. He also advises clients on the acquisition and sale of franchises. When the Franchising Code of Conduct has been amended he has assisted franchisors to amend their franchise documentation to comply with Code amendments.

What others say

"Recognised for his skill and expertise in the Franchising sector."
Who's Who Legal 2017

Experience

Independent supermarkets

Advised a group wishing to form and register a national brand, in relation to the registration, supply agreements, the franchise system to support the formation of the brand and the acquisition of the warehouse business.

Retail and industrial businesses

Advising on the acquisition of numerous retail and industrial businesses, and assisted clients in improving efficiencies in operations of businesses and in regulatory compliance.

Franchising

Completed significant reviews of franchise agreements and disclosure documents, and ensured compliance with amendments to the Franchising Code of Conduct.

Business acquisitions and disposals

Assisting a supermarket client in a major supermarket acquisition, and at the same time assisted the client to convert its supply arrangements and brand allegiance to a national supplier and national brand name. Also he has just completed acting for a client in the sale of a large timber hardware business to an multinational involving ACCC approval to the sale.