Iconic Aussie retailer Barbeques Galore on the brink of collapse saved by last-minute deal

By ASHLEY NICKEL, NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published: 09:57, 4 August 2026 | Updated: 10:00, 4 August 2026 Barbeques Galore will run exclusively as an online store after it was bought out by a Melbourne-based wholesaler in a last ditch deal. The well-known barbeque retailer first entered voluntary administration in February due to liquidity issues, and was on the brink of collapse before a lifeline was confirmed this week. Acom International has bought Barbeques Galore's intellectual property, brand portfolio and wholesale inventory. Barbeques Galore will switch to an online-only wholesale model under Acom International's management, which puts 500 jobs at risk. All 62 company-owned stores are now closed, while 24 independently-owned Barbeques Galore remain open and will trade via a licensing model with Acom. Ankura managing director Quentin Olde, who had been acting as receiver, said the deal with ACOM had secured 'a future for one of Australia's most iconic retail names and its family of brands'. Long-serving Barbeques Galore executive Mike Ainsworth has been appointed as the new chief executive of Acom International's Barbeques Galore. 'Our ambition is simple: to bring Barbeques Galore and some of Australia's most loved barbecue and wood-heating brands within reach of more Australians,' he said. Barbeques Galore (above) has closed 62 company-owned physical stores after it was bought out by Acom International But 24 independently-owned Barbeques Galore stores will remain open Founded nearly 50 years ago, the company was Australia's largest BBQ retailer (stock image) 'We will do that by supporting our independent Barbeques Galore stores, expanding distribution through wholesale customers and other retailers, growing our export markets, and maintaining a strong national online presence.'  Brands already under Acom International include Ziegler Brown, Ziggy, Turbo, Beefmaster, Firehawk, Arrosto Pizza Ovens, Downunder, Saxon, Maxiheat and Kent. Monday's announcement followed a plan to save Barbeques Galore back in June. The Gordon Brothers had sought to recapitalise the business by closing the 62 stores. However, the deal fell through when Gordon Brothers failed to secure commercial trading terms with suppliers. Barbeques Galore appeared on the Accom International website on Monday but the retailer's own website remained closed for orders. The company was co-founded nearly 50 years ago by the late Peter Woodland, who died in a helicopter crash in the NSW Snowy Mountains in April 2022.