Article Abstract:
Two legal firms, Slater and Gordon and Maurice Blackburn Cashman, are the leaders in filing class action suits in Australia. Slater and Gordon has a no-win no-fee policy and is able to fund expensive litigation because of its unusual structure. It has 300 staff, including 74 lawyers and 14 partners but only six equity partners, and those six control all the firm's finances. Maurice Blackburn Cashman resulted from a July 1, 1999, merger of Maurice Blackburn and Co. and Cashman and Partners. The new firm is ready to challenge Slater and Gordon, having already filed its first class action suit.
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Article Abstract:
The acquisition in Aug 1999 of Steggles, one of Australia's largest chicken processors, gave Bartter Enterprises a 30% market share. Acquired by Goodman Fielder about ten years ago, Steggles reported losses of $4.1 million in the last half of 1998. Bartter, which has a joint venture with the US company OSI International Foods, paid $131.5 million for Steggles.
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Article Abstract:
The Australian Senate inquiry into the effectiveness of the Trade Practices Act will hear complaints about the power of big companies to squeeze suppliers and smaller competitors in Australia. The Senate inquiry will seek practical ways to tread this narrow path and deal with the realties of business.
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