Companies behind Candoo cleaning and gardening brands enter liquidation
Thursday 24 September 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story Disputes Tribunal
Two companies operating the Candoo cleaning and gardening franchise brands have been placed into liquidation. The businesses, run by Allias Grindrod and James McGovern, face unpaid debts ordered by the Employment Relations Authority and Disputes Tribunal.
Key facts
3 facts
- Candoo brands entered liquidation in September 2026
- Unpaid debts to staff and franchisees exceed $150,000
- Adam Botterill appointed as liquidator
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
Two companies operating the Candoo cleaning and gardening brands have been placed into liquidation. Liquidator Adam Botterill was appointed to both companies by special shareholders resolution on 17 September.
Unpaid debts to former staff and franchisees, ordered by the Employment Relations Authority and Disputes Tribunal, now exceed $150,000. These debts include a $15,000 order for a former employee and $1,000 in costs, as well as a $17,000 order for a former franchisee.
A dozen former franchisees have claimed they paid substantial sign-up fees, sometimes tens of thousands of dollars, for work that was promised but did not occur. One franchisee, Priyank Sharma, signed up in Tauranga in May last year and entered a deed of release due to dissatisfaction with the work provided.
Directors Allias Grindrod and James McGovern previously stated these changes related to the brand's intellectual property position and franchise transition.
Where reports differ
- One report specifies the Employment Relations Authority ordered $15,000 for a former employee, while another notes the total unpaid debts across staff and franchisees exceed $150,000
Compiled from reports by Stuff and The Press.