December 2017

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FIX AUTO WILLETTON JOINS FIX AUTO AUSTRALIA NETWORK

Wayne Russell’s Combined Smash Repairs becomes Fix Auto Willetton and continues the growth story in Western Australia.

Fix Auto Australia announces the addition of Fix Auto Willetton, owned and operated by Wayne Russell, to the Fix Auto network, effective November 30th 2017.

In 2004, 28-year industry professional Wayne Russell realised the entrepreneurial goal of purchasing his first panel shop. Following the business’ successful growth over the next 7 years, Wayne saw an opportunity to invest in building his own location. Since moving to new facilities, Combined Smash Repair continued to grow as a profitable collision repair centre with a solid reputation for quality and first-rate customer service.

Even with a thriving business and a good reputation in his community, Wayne was aware of the ongoing trend toward consolidation in the Australian automotive aftermarket space and he knew he needed to find the right partner to help drive his business into the future. “I realised that my body shop needed to be part of a larger organisation. When I met with the Fix Auto Australia team and saw what the company has achieved globally, it became clear to me that Fix Auto is the leader in this industry,” he said.

Wayne added that he was first attracted to the Fix Auto business model. “The managed franchise system is preferred by work providers, as it helps deliver predictable consistency by owners who have their own stake in the business.” Wayne and Fix Auto Willetton’s team remain committed to the values that have helped them earn a trusted reputation in their community. “People choose our shop to get their car repaired to a safe and quality standard. We treat every customer as an individual, not just another number through the shop.”

Fix Auto Australia Head of Business Terry Feehan concluded by saying: “We are delighted to welcome Wayne and his team to Fix Auto. It is a real win for us to grow our network with a reputed partner like Fix Auto Willetton. Collaborating with driven, enthusiastic individuals like Wayne and his team is key in our plans to build the ultimate collision repair solution in Australia. We proudly welcome Fix Auto Willetton to the Fix Auto family and wish them much continued success.”

For more information on Fix Auto Australia, please visit www.fixauto.com.

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Compass Claims changes practices following ACCC investigation

CompassCorp Pty Ltd trading as Compass Claims (Compass) will amend its advertising and sales practices following an investigation by the ACCC. Compass is a credit hire business which provides hire cars to consumers who are not at fault in car accidents. Compass is one of the largest providers of these services in Australia.

The ACCC considered Compass was misrepresenting in brochures, its website and in phone calls that consumers who engaged Compass would not be liable for hire car charges or associated costs. Although Compass waived those charges, its contract only required Compass to do so if it was able to recover the charges from the at-fault party or their insurer.

The ACCC also considered Compass represented that consumers would not have to take any further steps to recover costs arising from their car hire. Instead, a consumer was required to assist Compass, which could include authorising court action in the consumer’s name, providing witness statements and attending court.

Compass cooperated with the ACCC’s investigation and has made several changes to its advertising, call centre procedures and sales practices to inform consumers of hire charges and their obligation to provide assistance.

“Businesses must not mislead consumers about any additional costs or obligations that may incur when using their services,” ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said. “If consumers are not responsible for an accident, they may be entitled to compensation for the costs of hiring a comparable vehicle while repairs are made. Credit hire businesses can help consumers access that compensation, however consumers should be aware of their obligations to that business if they accept that help. The ACCC will review the marketing and sales practices of other credit hire businesses and will pursue businesses that mislead consumers,” Ms Rickard added.

Background
As part of the resolution of this matter, Compass has agreed to: [list icon=”record” color=”dark-grey”]

  • Instruct Compass staff to read a script during the initial call with consumers to ensure consumers were aware they remain liable for the charges and must cooperate with Compass;
  • Amend its website to remove misleading statements;
  • Include detailed and prominent explanations in brochures that clearly state that consumers remain liable for the charges and must cooperate with Compass;
  • Provide the full contract to consumers at an early stage, highlighting the key terms imposing liability for charges and the obligation to assist Compass so that the consumers have time to consider those obligations before committing to the service.

[/list]

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Axalta and Nippon Paint End Acquisition Discussions

Axalta Coating Systems confirmed that its previously announced discussions regarding it being acquired by Nippon Paint have ended. Nippon Paint informed Axalta that its Board of Directors was unwilling to meet our expectations regarding the value of the company and assume the financial leverage necessary for a deal of this size.

“Axalta is a premier company in the coatings industry and has recently been sought after by two global competitors,” said Charles W. Shaver, Axalta’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “While neither deal came to fruition, the keen interest by these companies underscores Axalta’s global leadership position. Our current and future operational plans have not wavered during these discussions. We are well positioned to continue as a standalone growth company and will remain disciplined in generating superior long-term value for our shareholders.”

“I would like to thank our customers, investors, suppliers, and employees for their patience and support as we have considered these strategic options. We look forward to continuing the performance you have come to expect of our company,” concluded Mr. Shaver.

 Special Reports

Capricorn Gala Event

Joe McFadries was invited to attend the Capricorn trade show and gala dinner held in Melbourne on 11th November and found the level of passion and optimism both inspiring and infectious.

 Movers and Shakers

Rob Mildenhall, Capricorn Society

Joe McFadries recently caught up with Rob Mildenhall, Business Development Manager Supply-NSW and National Panel Manager, Capricorn Society to discuss their performance, their growing  membership and their exciting plans for the future.

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Capricorn Group CEO Greg Wall re-elected to the ICA Board

Capricorn is delighted to announce, as a proud cooperative, that it’s Group CEO, Greg Wall, has been re-elected to the International Cooperatives Alliance (ICA) Board.

The ICA represents cooperatives and mutual structured businesses from 100 countries around the world. Greg Wall’s re-election to the Board is another direct endorsement of the prominence that Capricorn has gained on a global level for its outstanding success.

The Capricorn Board supported Greg’s initial ICA Board nomination four years ago and he became the first Australian to join the ICA Board in 2013. Greg now enters his second four-year term of service to the ICA Board following a vote conducted at the ICA General Assembly held in Kuala Lumpur in November.

“I am proud of the contribution that I have made to the ICA Board and to the cooperative movement in general over the past four years. The work done on progressing the UN sustainable goals during this time shows the true power of cooperatives and reinforces the vision of making cooperative structured businesses the number one choice for people by 2020,” Mr Wall stated.

“This re-appointment also recognises Capricorn as a shining example of how successful cooperative structured organisations can be all over the world,” He added.

It is also fitting that the Capricorn Group CEO continues to represent Australia on the ICA Board given the growth of cooperatives and mutual structured businesses in this country. These businesses have become a part of the Australian Business Council of Cooperatives and Mutuals, (BCCM) an organisation of which Greg Wall is also a Director. The BCCM has since gained recent recognition from the Australian Government relating to the importance of cooperatives as a business model.