The iconic Australian barbecue retailer will continue under a dramatically different business model after ACOM International acquired its brands, intellectual property and wholesale inventory.
Barbeques Galore has secured a path forward after Melbourne-based wholesaler ACOM International acquired the retailer’s intellectual property, recognised brand portfolio and significant wholesale inventory from its receivers.
The deal marks an important turning point for the nearly 50-year-old Australian retail name, which entered administration earlier in 2026 and later began closing its company-operated stores when an earlier rescue plan collapsed. Mike Ainsworth, a long-serving Barbeques Galore executive, has now been appointed chief executive officer to lead the restructured business.
What Has ACOM International Acquired?
The acquisition covers the Barbeques Galore name, its intellectual property, wholesale inventory and a portfolio of established barbecue, pizza oven and wood-heating brands.
Brands included in the transaction are:
- Ziegler & Brown
- Ziggy
- Turbo
- Beefmaster
- Firehawk
- Arrosto Pizza Ovens
- Downunder
- Saxon
- Maxiheat
- Kent
The acquisition does not mean Barbeques Galore will return to its previous company-owned store structure. Instead, ACOM plans to rebuild the business around online retail, wholesale distribution, licensed independent stores and partnerships with other retailers.
Mike Ainsworth Named Barbeques Galore CEO
Mike Ainsworth has been appointed CEO of Barbeques Galore under the new ownership structure.
Ainsworth is moving into the leadership role alongside experienced members of the former Barbeques Galore product and wholesale teams. Their continued involvement is expected to provide operational knowledge across suppliers, products, independent stores, online sales and wholesale distribution.
Ainsworth said the company’s immediate ambition was to make Barbeques Galore and its major barbecue and wood-heating brands available to more Australians.
The new management team intends to support independent Barbeques Galore stores, expand distribution through ACOM’s wholesale customers, develop relationships with additional retailers and pursue opportunities in overseas markets.
What Happens to Barbeques Galore Stores?
All company-owned Barbeques Galore stores have now closed, according to the acquisition announcement.
However, independently owned stores can continue operating under licence. These businesses will form an important part of the brand’s new distribution model, alongside its national online operation and wider wholesale network.
This means customers may still see the Barbeques Galore name in selected locations, but the business will no longer operate the same large company-controlled retail network it had before entering administration.
Under ACOM’s strategy, consumers may eventually be able to purchase Barbeques Galore products through three main channels: independent licensed stores, other retail partners and the company’s renewed online platform.
Why Did Barbeques Galore Collapse?
Barbeques Galore entered voluntary administration and receivership in February 2026 after experiencing ongoing liquidity difficulties.
At that time, hundreds of jobs were placed at risk as administrators and receivers considered whether the business could be sold, recapitalised or restructured. The administration covered the company-operated business, while independently owned franchise locations were treated separately.
An earlier restructuring proposal backed by Gordon Brothers was designed to preserve the business as a going concern. The proposal included a $5 million payment to creditors and arrangements relating to employee entitlements and outstanding debt.
Although creditors supported the plan, it ultimately could not be completed because key commercial conditions were not met. The receivers subsequently announced the controlled closure of 62 company-owned stores, while transitional arrangements were explored for independently operated locations.
What Does the Acquisition Mean for Employees?
The acquisition preserves the Barbeques Galore brand and some parts of its operating knowledge, but it does not restore the retailer’s former nationwide workforce.
Approximately 500 jobs were considered at risk when the company entered administration. However, the latest acquisition announcement did not specify how many former employees would receive roles under ACOM’s new wholesale and online-focused model.
The shift away from company-owned retail stores suggests the restructured organisation will be considerably smaller than the previous business.
Some experienced product and wholesale team members are moving into the new operation, but the number of retained positions has not been publicly detailed. ACOM’s future staffing requirements will likely depend on online demand, wholesale growth, licensed store support and export expansion.
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ACOM Plans a Wholesale and Online-Led Revival
ACOM International has more than 30 years of experience in wholesale operations across camping, outdoor living and related product categories.
That background could help Barbeques Galore move from a costly company-owned retail network to a more flexible distribution model. Rather than relying primarily on physical stores, ACOM plans to sell through independent operators, wholesale customers, additional retail partners and a national online platform.
This approach may reduce the fixed costs associated with managing a large store network. It could also make the acquired brands available through more retailers, giving products such as Ziggy, Turbo and Beefmaster broader market exposure.
However, the strategy will depend on ACOM successfully rebuilding supplier relationships, maintaining product availability and convincing consumers that Barbeques Galore remains a dependable brand despite the closure of its company-owned stores.
What Customers Need to Know
Customers should not expect every former Barbeques Galore location to reopen under ACOM.
Company-owned stores have closed, while independent stores can continue trading under licensed arrangements. The brand is also expected to maintain a national online presence, though the appearance, product availability and fulfilment structure of that business may change as the transition progresses.
ACOM has said further information about licensed stores, wholesale accounts, suppliers and ordering procedures will be provided directly to affected stakeholders over the coming weeks.
Customers planning to make a purchase should therefore confirm whether a store is independently operated, whether a product is available online and which company is responsible for warranties, returns or order fulfilment under the new structure.
Why the Deal Matters for Australian Retail
The acquisition prevents the Barbeques Galore name and its major product brands from disappearing entirely after the collapse of the previous operating company.
Barbeques Galore has been part of Australia’s outdoor cooking market for close to five decades. Preserving its brand portfolio gives ACOM an established position in categories such as barbecues, outdoor entertainment, heating and cooking accessories without having to build consumer recognition from the beginning.
The transaction also reflects a wider change in Australian retail. Established brands can survive even when their traditional store-based operating models fail. Intellectual property, private-label products, online channels and wholesale relationships may retain considerable value after physical stores close.
For ACOM, the challenge will be to protect Barbeques Galore’s heritage while creating a smaller and financially sustainable business.
What Happens Next?
The next stage will involve integrating the acquired inventory and brands into ACOM’s operations.
Management will also need to finalise licensed-store arrangements, communicate with wholesale customers, onboard suppliers and strengthen the Barbeques Galore online platform. Additional products could eventually appear through other established Australian retailers as ACOM expands distribution.
Export growth is another part of the strategy, although no specific overseas markets or expansion timetable have yet been announced.
The acquisition has secured the future of the name, but the success of the revival will depend on whether ACOM can maintain customer confidence, provide reliable stock availability and build a profitable business without the former company-owned store network.
