Co-operatives
Addisons acts for a large number of co-operatives, including one of the oldest and largest agribusinesses in Australia. We are leading experts in the law of co-operatives and have played, and continue to play, an active role in the development of that law in Australia.
We have many years' experience in designing commercial solutions which operate effectively within the statutory framework of the Co-operatives Act. Our unique insights have enabled us to develop innovative responses which in turn have become industry standards.
Addisons played a prominent role in the restructure of Dairy Farmers which was implemented in June 2004 whereby, pursuant to a scheme of arrangement, members' shareholdings were split between two co-operatives - a milk supply co-operative and a business co-operative.
Services include
- Co-operative constitutions, including active membership rules
- Statutory compliance, including the Trade Practices Act, directors' duties and corporate governance
- Co-operative capital units (CCUs) and compulsory share/loan plans
- Reconstructions using schemes of arrangement
- Disposal of co-operative assets
- Entitlements of former members
- Contracts with members, including competition and restraint of trade issues
- Dispute resolution, including member arbitrations
- Government approved loans where capital repayments are tax deductible
For further information please contact
Tony Addison, Consultant
David Blackburn, Partner
David Ferguson, Partner