
Starleaton has re-commenced trading as Starleaton Pty Ltd, using the same website and branding of the business that was recently placed into liquidation.
The ability to effectively ‘re-start’ the business comes from the ownership of the Starleaton brand, company name and intellectual property that was always owned by the person who started the business – Peter Eaton – father of Ben Eaton, Melissa Spooner (nee Eaton) and Josh Eaton – through his vehicle Starleaton Pty Ltd.

The business that went into administration, was saved with a last-minute Deed of Company Arrangement (DOCA) and then placed into liquidation, was Starleaton Holdings Pty Ltd and SDS Bidco that was owned by the three siblings with the brand effectively ‘licensed’ to the business by Peter Eaton.
In an email sent this week to previous customers by Melissa (melissa.eaton@starleaton.com.au), she explains that the business is operating again under “new ownership”.
“I wanted to personally reach out and let you know that while Starleaton is continuing under new ownership, I’m still here to assist you with any of your orders or printing inquiries (sic),” Melissa said in her email.
“Our product range has been streamlined – you can view the full selection online at www.starleaton.com.au. If there’s a specific item you’ve been purchasing from us and you want to confirm it’s being continued, please reach out, I’ll be happy to check for you. And if you’re unable to find what you’re looking for online, don’t hesitate to contact me directly or email our team at customerexperience@starleaton.com.au – we’ll be more than happy to help.
“I look forward to continuing to work with you and your business. Thank you for your ongoing trust and support, it means a lot to both the business and to me personally.”
In her email, Melissa does not share a phone number; however the company’s new premises are located at 7 Cleg Street in Artarmon – nearby the previous premises where Ben Eaton ran his business at Unit 6, 12 Frederick St, St Leonards.
In the initial administrator’s report dated 15 February 2024, Andrew Blundell and Simon Cathro identified a complex corporate and related party ownership and funding structure of the Starleaton Group.
According to the administrator’s report:
“The related party dealings and interactions are complex. But in summary, as at the current time, we understand:
- The Starleaton Group is controlled by three siblings in the Eaton family – Benjamin Eaton, Joshua Eaton and Melissa Spooner – who control the shareholdings of SDS Bidco through intermediary companies.
- SDS Bidco is the trustee of the SDS Trust. It was appointed to this role in 2019.
- SDS Bidco holds all the shares in Starleaton Holdings – which is the trading entity.
- SDS Bidco also holds the shares in Starleaton NZ, which we are not appointed to, and currently continues to operate in New Zealand whilst we investigate the position in respect of loans to Starleaton Holdings and shareholdings of SBS Bidco.
- We are still determining whether the shareholdings in Starleaton Holdings and Starleaton NZ are beneficially owned by SDS Bidco or whether it is in the capacity as trustee of the SDS Trust.
- The former trustee of the SDS Trust was SDS Distributions. SDS Distributions holds a registered security interest over the Companies. We are still investigating whether this is in relation to SDS Trust.
- The Starleaton group owes over $6m to Peter and Leanne Eaton (parents of the directors) and other related entities, including Starleaton Pty Limited. Peter Eaton is the father of the directors and used to own the Starleaton Group. These parties hold a registered ALLPAP security interest over the Companies.
We understand this relates to the sale of the business to the current owners in 2016. This debt was not recorded in the balance sheet and statutory accounts of Starleaton Holdings prior to FY2023 and we have requested more information to understand this secured debt.”
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