Franchising & Retail

Franchising continues to thrive as a business model, contributing billions of dollars to the Australian economy and supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs nationwide. Governed by the Franchising Code of Conduct, the sector demands careful legal and commercial guidance to navigate regulatory obligations, competitive pressures and strategic growth. Despite increasing scrutiny and calls for reform, franchising remains a resilient and desirable business model.

HWLE Lawyers’ franchise team advises over 70 franchise and retail systems across Australia, offering support from business establishment and contract preparation to exit strategies and ASX listings. With national specialists and integrated expertise in areas such as competition law, commercial tenancy and retail law, employment, consumer law and intellectual property, our team delivers tailored, commercially focused solutions. We provide a uniquely coordinated service that reflects the complexity and opportunity within the franchising landscape.

View all team members Related insights

Franchising & Retail

Our experience

  • Franchisors Advising on franchise system start-ups, including drafting and reviewing Franchise Agreements, Disclosure Documents and associated documentation.

  • Master franchisees and franchisors Negotiating Master Franchise Agreements for operations in Australia and overseas.

  • Franchisors Advising on legal aspects of system growth and expansion, including overseas expansion.

  • Franchisors and Master Franchisees Advising on sale or acquisition of systems.

  • Franchisors and Franchisees Acting in disputes ranging from informal resolution and Code mediations to fully litigated court proceedings, including class actions.

  • Franchisors Advising in relation to Competition and Consumer Law, providing compliance strategies, audits and programs and responding to ACCC enquiries and formal regulatory investigations.

  • Franchisors Advising in relation to Code compliance, employment issues, and compliance with national and state based laws impacting on franchise systems.