Adnunat Pty Ltd (ACN 005 816 268) v ITW Construction Systems Australia Pty Ltd (ACN 004 297 009) [2009] FCA 499

FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

Adnunat Pty Ltd (ACN 005 816 268) v ITW Construction Systems Australia Pty Ltd (ACN 004 297 009) [2009] FCA 499

CONTRACTS – formation – approach where no discernable offer and acceptance – where party to existing contract with supplier sold entire business to a related third party – whether contract between third party and supplier to be inferred from conduct. PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE – summary judgment – whether no reasonable prospect of successfully denying the existence of alleged contract – Federal Court of Australia Act 1976 (Cth) s 31A. Federal Court of Australia Act 1976 (Cth) s 31A Patents Act 1990 (Cth) s 138 Australian Broadcasting Corporation v XIVth Commonwealth Games Ltd (1988) 18 NSWLR 540 followed Boston Commercial Services Pty Ltd v GE Capital Finance Australasia Pty Ltd (2006) 236 ALR 720 applied Bradken Resources Pty Ltd v Lynx Engineering Consultants Pty Ltd [2008] FCA 1257 cited Dandaven v Harbeth Holdings Pty Ltd [2008] FCA 955 cited Gissing v Gissing [1971] AC 886 cited Imobilari Pty Ltd v Opes Prime Stockbroking Ltd [2008] FCA 1920 cited Industrial Rollformers Pty Ltd v Ingersoll-Rand (Australia) Pty Ltd (2001) Aust Contract R 90-129 applied Integrated Computer Services Pty Ltd v Digital Equipment Corp (Aust) Pty Ltd (1988) 5 BPR 97326 cited Jefferson Ford Pty Ltd v Ford Motor Company of Australia Ltd (2008) 167 FCR 372 applied Pacific Brands Sport & Leisure Pty Ltd v Underworks Pty Ltd [2005] FCA 288 followed Three Rivers DC v Bank of England (No 3) [2003] 2 AC 1 cited Tolhurst v The Associated Portland Cement Manufacturers (1900) Limited [1903] AC 414 distinguished Vroon BV v Foster's Brewing Group Ltd [1994] 2 VR 32 cited White Industries Aust Ltd v Federal Commissioner of Taxation (2007) 160 FCR 298 followed ADNUNAT PTY LTD (ACN 005 816 268) and OLIVETTI CONCRETE LIFTING SYSTEMS PTY LTD (ACN 007 019 212) v ITW CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AUSTRALIA PTY LTD (FORMERLY ITW CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS AUSTRALIA PTY LTD, ALSO FORMERLY ITW RAMSET AUSTRALIA PTY LTD) (ACN 004 297 009) and REID CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS PTY LTD (IN LIQUIDATION) (ACN 010 099 617); ITW CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AUSTRALIA PTY LTD (FORMERLY ITW CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS AUSTRALIA PTY LTD, ALSO FORMERLY ITW RAMSET AUSTRALIA PTY LTD) (ACN 004 297 009) v ADNUNAT PTY LTD (ACN 005 816 268)