Romanis Cant director Mr Manuel Hanna has been appointed voluntary administrator of certain companies within the Rogue Traders Group (the Group), being SP Group Services Pty Ltd and Rogue Traders Group Pty Ltd.

The voluntary administrator has taken control of these companies and is undertaking an urgent assessment of their affairs.

Rogue Traders Group Pty Ltd is the holding company of subsidiaries that operate restaurants founded by Mr Scott Pickett. The restaurants include Matilda, Longrain, Chancery Lane and Smith St Bistrot but do not involve any of the other restaurants associated with Mr Pickett.

Mr Hanna is not appointed to any of the restaurant entities and the restaurants would continue to trade as usual while the administration was on foot.

“I want to make it very clear none of the Group’s restaurants are in administration and to assure employees, customers and suppliers that it is business as usual as far as they concerned,” he said.

Mr Hanna also confirmed that all wages, superannuation and entitlements were up to date.

Mr Hanna said the appointment of a voluntary administrator to facilitate a restructure of the Group’s finances was necessitated by the withdrawal of a key investor associated with the collapse of the First Guardian Master Fund. Mr Hanna and Mr Pickett will be working collaboratively to source an alternative investor in the Group and restaurants.

Creditors of the above-named companies can contact the voluntary administrator at info@romaniscant.com.au.

Parties interested in receiving information regarding the potential sale of the shares in the restaurant entities, or investing in the Group, can contact Mr Michael Augustine (maugustine@romaniscant.com.au) or Ms Isobel Mumberson (imumberson@romaniscant.com.au).

Media inquiries:

Rebecca Harrison | +61 408 529 751 rebecca.harrison@civicpartners.com.au

About Romanis Cant

Romanis Cant is a Melbourne-based chartered accounting and turnaround firm specialising in restructuring, insolvency, forensic accounting and business advisory. Since 1985, we’ve helped businesses and individuals navigate financial challenges with tailored, practical solutions that protect value and restore stability.