The Edit salon founder Leah Brunoli files for bankruptcy
A businesswoman who once operated the state’s “largest private chain salon” has filed for bankruptcy four months after the collapse of five salons under her control.
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A businesswoman who once operated the state’s “largest private chain salon” has fallen on her sword, filing for bankruptcy over a $9230 debt owed to a former landlord.
Leah Brunoli filed a debtor’s petition on September 13, four months after appointing liquidators to wind up her Fresh Hair & Body company – comprising five salons in The Edit hairdressing and beauty chain.
The chain continues to operate from two locations at Hyde Park and Mawson Lakes.
Goodnick Enterprises – the owner of a Munno Para shopping complex where a salon in the chain once operated – served a bankruptcy notice against Ms Brunoli in June after she failed to settle a $9230 debt resulting from a Magistrates Court judgment.
However a creditor’s petition lodged by Goodnick was dismissed in the Federal Circuit Court this morning after Ms Brunoli filed for bankruptcy herself.
BRI Ferrier’s Maris Rudaks has been appointed as trustee to administer the bankruptcy and has seized control of Ms Brunoli’s personal assets.
Under bankruptcy law he is able to sell certain personal assets owned by Ms Brunoli in order to settle personal debts.
Records from the lands titles office reveal a Medindie home owned by Ms Brunoli’s husband, Daniel, is currently subject to two caveats and a mortgage.
While Ms Brunoli is not registered on the title, a trustee will generally investigate whether a bankrupt person has an equitable interest in property by taking into account factors including whether they live in the property, whether they contribute to the mortgage and whether they contribute to other joint expenses.
Unsecured creditors rank below mortgage lenders and valid caveators.
Bankruptcy normally lasts for three years and prevents the individual from being a director or being involved in the management of a company.
ASIC records confirm that in August Ms Brunoli’s father, Anthony Bobridge, replaced her as sole director and shareholder of the company managing the two remaining salons.
Liquidator Tarquin Koch Accounting and Insolvency Services was appointed to Fresh Hair & Body in May.
Following their appointment, a sixth The Edit salon at Gawler was closed, while two remaining outlets – at Mawson Lakes and Hyde Park – continue to operate under the brand.
At the time liquidators were appointed, Ms Brunoli blamed heightened competition for the company’s failure, which left former employees chasing close to $290,000 in unpaid entitlements, including close to $200,000 in unpaid superannuation.
Ms Brunoli has previously made a commitment to personally repay former employees their unpaid super.