Retail

The parties in two shareholder class actions brought against online fashion retailer Surfstitch will make one “last, final attempt” to resolve the proceedings in mediation after a proposed settlement was thwarted by a judge last year, a court heard Friday.

The competition regulator has cleared the way for Australian retail giant Wesfarmers to acquire online retailer Catch Group for $230 million, after finding the acquisition would be unlikely to impact competition in online marketplaces.

A claim by Coles for $40 million in tax credits for fuel that evaporates or leaks from the 3,000 tanks at its service stations -- based on an argument that the company buys extra fuel to account for the loss -- is "completely unreal", a lawyer for the tax office told a court Monday.

Two former executives of Dick Smith may seek to vacate an upcoming trial date for two class actions against the failed retailer, after recently being hit with cross claims by the company’s former auditor, Deloitte.

Streetwear brand Globe International has alleged department store chain Kmart was reasonably aware it was infringing copyright, after internal emails revealed Kmart clothing designers shared links to Globe’s workwear designs before proposing to trial "this more youthful workwear... ASAP”.

Allianz and a number of other insurers of Dick Smith are now facing a class action over the extent of coverage under an insurance policy for the collapsed electronics retailer's initial public offering.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has lost a consumer case against Woolworths, with the Federal Court finding the supermarket giant's  environmental claims for its line of disposable plates, bowls and cutlery were accurate, not false and misleading.

Australian supermarket giant Woolworths has accepted a number of recommendations made by the Fair Work Commission, after two unions challenged a recent restructure that required staff to reapply for jobs, seek redeployment or be made redundant.

ANZ Bank will not pay a cent to franchisees in its settlement of two class actions that allege the bank breached its responsible lending obligations and engaged in unconscionable conduct by giving loans to purchasers of 7-Eleven franchises.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has raised competition concerns about rural supply giant Landmark's proposed $469 million takeover of competitor Ruralco, a move that would consolidate two of the three largest players in the rural merchandise market.