Australian M&A: A review of 2025 and outlook for 2026
In 2025, Gadens’ Corporate team advised on over 50 M&A transactions totalling more than AUD3.8 billion. This marked an increase on 2024 and reflects the breadth of our involvement across the Australian M&A market throughout the year. In this year’s edition of our Australian M&A review, we examine the key trends and developments that shaped […]
ReadmoreNew prohibitions on unfair trading practices on the horizon
Following the release of two Decision Regulation Impact Statements (DRISs) in December that proposed significant reforms to the Australian Consumer Law (ACL), the Australian Government is following through with the first tranche of those reforms, releasing draft legislation that targets unfair subscription practices, ‘drip pricing’ and conduct that unreasonably distorts the decision environment for the […]
ReadmoreConsumer Express | October 2025 Edition
In the October 2025 edition of Consumer Express, we explore the latest legal and regulatory developments impacting the consumer sector, with a focus on the emerging trends and challenges our clients are navigating. This edition covers the continued growth in online retail spending, driven by the rise of mobile-first shopping experiences, as well as the […]
ReadmoreConsumer Express | May 2025 Edition
In the May 2025 edition of Consumer Express, we focus on the key developments impacting our consumer clients, including the positive duty to prevent unlawful sexual discrimination, updates on wage theft laws, and the complexities surrounding retail lease rent reviews. We also take a closer look at the ACCC’s 2025-2026 enforcement priorities and the potential […]
ReadmoreAustralian mid-market M&A: A review of 2024 and outlook for 2025
In 2024, Gadens’ Corporate team achieved remarkable growth, advising on over 50 M&A transactions with a total value more than double that of 2023. This expansion reflects both our growing market presence and the trust our clients place in us to deliver high-value, strategic deals. In our inaugural edition of our M&A review, we reflect […]
ReadmoreHCF Life’s ‘pre-existing condition’ clause in life insurance contracts declared misleading but not an ‘unfair contract term’ by Federal Court
Following proceedings commenced by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Federal Court declared on 28 October 2024 that a term used by HCF Life Insurance Company Pty Ltd (HCF Life) in consumer contracts was misleading, but not an unfair contract term. The HCF Life case follows a number of other high profile cases […]
ReadmoreConsumer Express | October 2024 Edition
In our tenth edition of Consumer Express we consider the hot topics facing our consumer clients, including the right to disconnect and what it really means, the first tranche of the new privacy reforms and how to prepare for what’s coming, helpful tips on structuring trade promotions, as well as AI washing. Our regulators have […]
ReadmoreFMCG Express | March 2024 Edition
In this edition of FMCG Express we consider the regulatory landscape of AI, what to do when you receive a (potentially) defamatory online review, recent Fair Work Act changes (particularly how these changes affect casual workers), and we consider specifics around ESG reporting. Partner Breanna Davies and the Gadens team have prepared this edition to […]
ReadmoreFMCG Express | September 2023 Edition
In this edition of FMCG Express we consider the practicalities of implementing UCT regime required changes, recent ACCC enforcement activity and consider what risks ‘greenwashing’ can pose for our clients. We also touch on employer obligations regarding psychosocial safety and hazards, the Retail Award and other legislative changes. Partner Breanna Davies and the Gadens team […]
ReadmoreOur Top 10 Unfair Contract Terms (infographic)
From 9 November 2023 the Unfair Contract Terms regime will have real teeth and apply to more contracts. From then, large penalties can apply for use of unfair contract terms. The regime applies to consumer contracts and small business contracts. Standard form business contracts will generally be covered if one party has fewer than 100 […]
ReadmoreFMCG Express | March 2023 Edition
The latest edition of FMCG Express goes straight to the heart of legal issues affecting corporate Australia in 2023; reforms to unfair contracts legislation; changes to the Fair Work Act; privacy law amendments; and cyber and data security. Partner Breanna Davies and the Gadens team of contributors are at the forefront of the analysis of […]
ReadmoreFMCG Express | September 2022 Edition
In the latest edition of FMCG Express, Partner Breanna Davies and the Gadens team bring you the latest developments in the consumer, retail and hospitality sectors in Australia. In this issue, our team delves into the issues surrounding positive obligations to eliminate sexual harassment in the workplace; risks and solutions when dealing with commercial contracts […]
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