Prominent Australian retailer Barbeques Galore is set to emerge from administration and receivership with the same owners and management team, after a three-month long sales process.
The long-running barbeque and outdoor furniture retailer was placed under external management in February, putting 500 jobs across 95 stores and the wider business at risk.
Administrators Philip Campbell-Wilson, Lisa Gibb and Matthew Byrnes from Grant Thornton were appointed to oversee the business, with Ankura’s Quentin Olde, Luke Pittorino and Liam Healey appointed as receivers and managers by the secured creditor.
Related Article Block Placeholder
Article ID: 331441
The business continued to trade during this time, and on Thursday, Ankura confirmed a Deed of Company Arrangement will see the business remain under the control of its current owners and secured creditor, lender Gordon Brothers.
Gordon Brothers purchased the business from previous owner Quadrant Private Equity in December 2025, at which point David White was appointed as CEO.
Smarter business news. Straight to your inbox.
For startup founders, small businesses and leaders. Build sharper instincts and better strategy by learning from Australia’s smartest business minds. Sign up for free.
By continuing, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
White and chief financial officer David Hughson will continue to lead the business following the restructure.
While the receivers said there was “strong interest” from potential buyers, the proposal from Gordon Brothers will result in “the best outcome for stakeholders including employees, landlords, suppliers and the secured creditor”.
Under the proposal, Gordon Brothers would discharge $3.9 million of its $13.55 million secured debt, with the remaining $9.6 million to be treated as an asset-backed lending facility for the business.
Gordon Brothers is proposing to put up $5 million for creditors, including suppliers to Barbeques Galore that are reportedly owed around $30 million, and will assume responsibility for $6.6 million in employee entitlements.
“The proposal is still subject to the approval of creditors, however the receivers are confident that with the support of suppliers, landlords and employees the iconic Australian business can continue as a going concern,” said Quentin Olde in a statement provided to SmartCompany.
“After the restructuring, the business will be stronger and more stable, retaining around 500 jobs and allowing franchisees, the majority of landlords, and suppliers to keep trading with the company.”
Creditors will vote on the Deed of Company Arrangement on May 22. If the deed is not approved by creditors, the receivers say the business will likely stop operating and all retail stores would close.
Five Barbeques Galore stores closed during receivership
Barbeques Galore operated 68 company-owned stores when the administrators and receivers were appointed.
Ankura confirmed five stores closed during the receivership, as part of a “store rationalisation program to stabilise the business and improve the performance of the company-owned store network”.
The leases for these five stores were terminated and “a small number” of redundancies took place.
Another 27 franchised stores are not affected by the administration and restructuring process.
The receivers said key suppliers and partners continued to support the business during this process, which helped the business maintain its day-to-day operations and stock flow.
This will continue during the approval and implementation process of the Deed of Company Arrangement, and gift cards will continue to be honoured.
CEO David White said he is optimistic about the future of the retailer.
“With the support of suppliers, staff and landlords, the great Barbeques Galore team and I are confident that we can build on the fantastic Barbeques Galore brand and market leading position to continue to provide Australians with the best choice of outdoor cooking products for many years to come,” he said in a statement.
