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Corporate Finance DealsView all

Advanced Share Registry

Automic acquires share registry

Business News Business News
20 Jan 2020

Perth-founded Automic Group has become Australia’s third-largest share registry after acquiring its competitor, Security Transfer Australia (STA).

Bruce Rock Engineering

Bruce Rock Engineering buys Geraldton business

Jessica Mascione Jessica Mascione
17 Jan 2020

Bruce Rock Engineering has increased the number of its facilities in Western Australia with the acquisition of Geraldton-based D-Trans Motor Body Builders.

Fremantle Dockers

Dockers play in childcare space

Dan Wilkie Dan Wilkie
16 Jan 2020

National childcare provider Insight Early Learning has formed a partnership with Fremantle Football Club, placing physical health and wellbeing at the forefront of a new childcare operation known as Freo Kids.

GR Engineering Services

GR Engineering buys US business

Jessica Mascione Jessica Mascione
16 Jan 2020

GR Engineering Services has entered an agreement to acquire Arizona-based Hanlon Engineering & Associates, which has 40 staff.

Kalamazoo Resources

Kalamazoo shares soar on $8m deal

Jessica Mascione Jessica Mascione
15 Jan 2020

Junior gold miner Kalamazoo Resources has announced an $8 million placement to billionaire investor Eric Sprott and his Canada-listed company, Novo Resources Corporation.

Politics & the EconomyView all

Tourism Council WA

Relief packages for tourism, small businesses

Jessica Mascione AAP
20 Jan 2020

The Morrison government has announced a suite of measures to immediately support small businesses, non-profit organisations and tourism businesses affected by Australia's bushfires.

Conservation Council of Western Australia

Morrison’s Kyoto conundrum

Matt Mckenzie Matt Mckenzie
20 Jan 2020

Moves to scrap the use of carryover carbon emissions credits from the Kyoto Protocol could significantly increase the cost of Australia meeting its Paris Agreement target.

Westpac

Bushfires could deliver 0.5% hit to GDP

AAP AAP
13 Jan 2020

The bushfire crisis will cost Australia $5 billion in direct losses and lop off 0.2 to 0.5 per cent from its economic growth, Westpac has estimated.

Serco

State to take over prison operation

Matt Mckenzie Matt Mckenzie
06 Jan 2020

Contractor Sodexo will exit a loss-making contract running Melaleuca female prison in April, about four years after the facility opened, following a December agreement for the government to take over operations.

Insurance Commission of Western Australia

End in sight for Bell battle

Matt Mckenzie Matt Mckenzie
06 Jan 2020

About $1.9 billion will be split between the Insurance Commission of Western Australia and other creditors of Bell Group when a settlement deal, signed in December, comes into effect later this year.

PropertyView all

Primewest

Primewest adds Mandurah shopping centre to portfolio

Dan Wilkie Dan Wilkie
20 Jan 2020

ASX-listed funds manager Primewest has acquired a Woolworths-anchored shopping centre in Mandurah for $32 million, following its $33.1 million acquisition of 66 Kings Park Road.

Doric

Park Regis exits Subiaco hotel before opening

Dan Wilkie Dan Wilkie
17 Jan 2020

International hotel chain Park Regis has pulled out of operating a just-built Subiaco hotel prior to its opening, with the developer behind the project seeking a new operator.

Housing Industry Association

New house sales grow in WA as recovery approaches

Jessica Mascione Jessica Mascione
17 Jan 2020

Western Australia recorded the largest new home sales growth over the quarter of any Australian state, as the broader housing market begins to show signs of a recovery.

Builder wins copyright battle

Dan Wilkie Dan Wilkie
16 Jan 2020

A court has dismissed a claim of copyright infringement brought by Novus Homes against a homebuyer and a rival builder, ending two-and-a-half years of court proceedings and mediation.

Property Council of Australia

Shift in residential confidence

Dan Wilkie Dan Wilkie
16 Jan 2020

Western Australian property professionals are becoming more optimistic around the prospects of a recovery in the state’s embattled residential market, despite a national survey showing WA respondents had the lowest expectations across the country for an improvement in capital growth over the next 12 months.

WA Event Calendar View all

WA's most comprehensive guide to forthcoming business-related events. To list an upcoming WA event on this page, register with Scoop Online..

Aboriginal Culture in WA View all

With a history stretching back at least 50,000 years, there are many ways to explore WA’s rich and diverse indigenous heritage..

Arts & CommunityView all

Artrage

Climate protesters disrupt Fringe launch

Madeleine Stephens Madeleine Stephens
17 Jan 2020

The official launch of Fringe World Festival on Thursday night was interrupted by local artists protesting the festival’s partnership with Woodside Petroleum.

City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder

Legend Media receives Chinese approval for first film

Dan Wilkie Dan Wilkie
17 Jan 2020

Local film production company Legend Media Group has gained Chinese approval for its first Australian-Chinese co-production feature film Outback Dragon, slated to start filming in Kalgoorlie-Boulder and Perth later this year.

Black Swan State Theatre Company

Black Swan appoints executive director

Madeleine Stephens Madeleine Stephens
15 Jan 2020

Rick Heath has been named executive director at Black Swan State Theatre Company, following controversy over sudden leadership changes at the organisation last year.

Barking Gecko Theatre

Barking Gecko thrives into its 30s

Madeleine Stephens Madeleine Stephens
15 Jan 2020

A strong focus on developing and sustaining corporate partnerships is one factor behind Western Australia’s oldest theatre company, Barking Gecko Theatre, notching up its 30th birthday.

WA Museum

Indigenous focus for new museum

Dan Wilkie Dan Wilkie
14 Jan 2020

WA’s newest cultural drawcard is set to showcase the state’s unique heritage on a world stage.

Featured PhotographsView all

Jessica Gethin, Perth Symphony Orchestra chief conductor and artistic director.
Fremantle Ports
Hadiqa Moroccan Restaurant & Bar at Hibernian Place
Meeting room and rooftop
Success & Leadership breakfast with Chris Sutherland, Programmed
Element office kitchen
The Melbourne Hotel
Conservatory
Riff powered by SpaceCubed
Riff powered by SpaceCubed

EnergyView all

Suez

Waste projects shift the dial

Mark Beyer Mark Beyer
14 Jan 2020

Western Australia is leading the country in the adoption of waste-to-energy projects, with $1.2 billion being invested in two path-breaking facilities under construction.

Hazer Group

Seven hydrogen projects secure study funds

Matt Mckenzie Matt Mckenzie
08 Jan 2020

Kununurra and Mandurah could be hubs for renewable hydrogen production, while the gas could be blended with natural gas already supplied through the state’s main transmission pipeline, as part of a series of projects revealed today.

Australia becomes world’s largest LNG exporter

Business News Business News
06 Jan 2020

Australia has edged out Qatar to become the world’s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) on an annualised basis, according to national consultancy Energy Quest.

ACCIONA

$511m waste project to proceed

Mark Beyer Mark Beyer
06 Jan 2020

Construction of Western Australia’s second large scale waste-to-energy project will begin this month near Rockingham after the development consortium reached financial close just before Christmas.

Chevron

Developments needed for domgas demand

Matt Mckenzie Matt Mckenzie
13 Dec 2019

Chevron and Newcrest have signed a supply deal for 16 petajoules of domestic gas until 2023, while a new analysis of the state’s gas market says the Scarborough and Browse developments are necessary to ensure sufficient supply.

Food & WineView all

Young George

Diverse offering fits the bill in Freo

Jordan Murray Jordan Murray
20 Jan 2020

Almost 10 months after it opened, Freo.Social has expanded its range to include a dining option with the addition of Beer.Kitchen, the venue’s new 22-item dining offering launched in mid-December.

Fruit West

Plans for Bravo to go international

Business News Business News
13 Dec 2019

The Manjimup-bred burgundy apple Bravo is closer to being sold internationally, after businesses in Europe and South Africa signed an MOU to progress plans for its commercialisation.

Mata Design Studio

Kailis senses market movement

Matt Mckenzie Matt Mckenzie
30 Oct 2019

There’s a seismic shift happening in hospitality and Perth has an opportunity to become a culinary destination, according to George Kailis.

Chocolate artisan builds the brand

Matt Mckenzie Matt Mckenzie
22 Oct 2019

Coolbellup-based Nakamura Chocolates is aiming to triple Western Australian sales after a successful entry into the Japanese market.

Prominent Perth restaurateur accused of extortion

Adrian Rauso AAP
07 Oct 2019

The Perth restaurateur behind The Meatball Bar chain, Gourmet Republik, and Thuggs Fried Chicken and Waffles, is accused of threatening to destroy a man's cafe and put him "in a coffin" over some fruit and vegetables.

Special ReportsView all

Corporate finance 2019

Corporate finance 2019

20 January 2020

The annual Business News review of corporate finance deals has identified some major shifts among key advisers and market trends.

Advisers compete on 733 deals

Advisers compete on 733 deals

Mark Beyer 20 Jan 2020
Aged care 2020

Aged care 2020

13 January 2020

Large aged care players are cementing their growth strategies to meet demand and survive a turbelent time for the sector. Technology could help people live independently at home longer and improve care in residential aged care facilities.

Growth amid uncertainty

Growth amid uncertainty

Madeleine Stephens 13 Jan 2020
Digital delivers for quality care

Digital delivers for quality care

Madeleine Stephens 13 Jan 2020
Great for the State – Edition 10: Cultural growth

Great for the State – Edition 10: Cultural growth

17 December 2019

Perth has come a long way since the Lonely Planet described the city as dullsville, with a thriving festivals, street art, music and events scene now creating vibrant connections with Western Australia’s history and indigenous culture.

Thriving hub of festivals, bars and street art

Thriving hub of festivals, bars and street art 

Dan Wilkie 17 Dec 2019
From The Triffids to Tame Impala, WA goes global

From The Triffids to Tame Impala, WA goes global 

Dan Wilkie 17 Dec 2019
Architecture, planning connect with culture

Architecture, planning connect with culture 

Dan Wilkie 17 Dec 2019
Museum heralds new era for arts advancement

Museum heralds new era for arts advancement 

Dan Wilkie 17 Dec 2019
View 4 more >>
Biggest employers 2019

Biggest employers 2019

16 December 2019

Business News' updated ranking of WA's largest employers highlights the increased use of casual and contract.

Woolies tops biggest employers

Woolies tops biggest employers

Mark Beyer 16 Dec 2019
Person of the year 2019

Person of the year 2019

13 December 2019

WA’s Liberals, notably Christian Porter, have been key to the Morrison government’s performance this year. Business leaders have been developing plans that could have a big impact on the state in 2020.

Western defence delivers for feds

Western defence delivers for feds

Matt Mckenzie 13 Dec 2019
Unfinished business in 2019 to energise leaders

Unfinished business in 2019 to energise leaders

Matt Mckenzie 13 Dec 2019

MiningView all

Atlas Iron

Atlas gains approval for Corunna Downs

Jessica Mascione Jessica Mascione
20 Jan 2020

Atlas Iron is planning to start development of its Corunna Downs iron ore project in the Pilbara by mid-year, at a cost of around $50 million, after the Environmental Protection Authority recommended approval.

Emerald Resources

Emerald seeks $75m for Okvau

Business News Business News
20 Jan 2020

Emerald Resources has announced plans to raise $75 million to fund its Cambodia-based Okvau gold project, via two placements of 1.9 billion new shares.

BHP

$10bn tax bill for resources

Matt Mckenzie Matt Mckenzie
17 Jan 2020

Nine WA-linked resources businesses are ranked among the country’s top 20 corporate taxpayers, despite a widespread perception the industry does not pay its way.

Fortescue Metals Group

Late by 89 seconds, Fortescue catches a break

Matt Mckenzie Matt Mckenzie
14 Jan 2020

Fortescue Metals Group won a Supreme Court decision today over an exploration licence application that had been declined because it was processed seconds after the regulator’s deadline.

Independence Group

Independence Group production beats guidance

Jessica Mascione Jessica Mascione
08 Jan 2020

Independence Group’s Nova and Tropicana mines in Western Australia have achieved strong preliminary results, with first-half metal production exceeding guidance by around 9 per cent and 10 per cent respectively.

OpinionView all

Mark my words podcast

Mark Pownall Mark Pownall
Mark Beyer Mark Beyer
17 Jan 2020

In this podcast Mark Beyer and Mark Pownall discuss stockmarket highs, tourism buoyed, Scott Park Group, Jeanswest into administration, FMG's exploration tenement battle, and our special report on corporate finance.

Committee for Perth

Mimic success, not failure

Mark Pownall Mark Pownall
17 Jan 2020

OPINION: From its own experience, Business News can declare the state government’s Market Led Proposals policy is a let-down.

Financial trade-off for Labor

Peter Kennedy Peter Kennedy
16 Jan 2020

OPINION: Mark McGowan and his Labor government are sitting pretty entering the final quarter of their first four-year term, with no obvious domestic issues likely to destabilise their approach to the next election in March 2021.

Young microentrepreneurs deserve our support

Gary Martin Gary Martin
15 Jan 2020

OPINION: Schools have a significant role to play in preparing students for the new world of work.

Mark my words podcast

Mark Beyer Mark Beyer
Mark Pownall Mark Pownall
10 Jan 2020

PODCAST: Mark Beyer and Mark Pownall discuss market jitters, corporate Australia's response to the bushfires, waste-to-energy projects, LNG production, Pluto expansion, a new Perth hotel development, and our special report on the aged care industry.

RetailView all

National Australia Bank

Black Friday fuels November retail surge

AAP AAP
10 Jan 2020

November's Black Friday sales fueled a better-than-expected monthly retail turnover, but economists are wary of how much of the 0.9 per cent increase would previously have been spent during December.

City of Fremantle

Freo getting its mojo back

Matt Mckenzie Matt Mckenzie
18 Dec 2019

There’s a sense of optimism in Fremantle amid a flurry of new venue openings, supported by a potential investment pipeline of nearly $1 billion.

Fashion Council WA

Administration, restructure planned for Fashion Festival

Matt Mckenzie Matt Mckenzie
19 Nov 2019

The entity which ran the Perth Fashion Festival for 20 years, before operations were passed to the Fashion Council WA, has entered administration owing $819,000, with owners Mariella Harvey-Hanrahan and Tony Sage planning a deed of company arrangement.

Galati Group

Profit rockets at Spudshed

Matt Mckenzie Matt Mckenzie
01 Nov 2019

Profit has more than tripled at one of Western Australia’s most prominent family businesses, which controls the Spudshed chain of retail stores.

Betts Group

Betts pulls on boots for recovery

Matt Mckenzie Matt Mckenzie
31 Oct 2019

Shoe retailer Betts Group has returned to profitability after cutting nearly 130 stores in the past two years, and chief executive Danny Breckler is confident the business is now on the right path.

SkylineView all

Skyline
Property Council of Australia

It’s office-ial, East Perth included in Property Council’s Office Market Report

Skyline Skyline
17 Jan 2020

For the first time ever, the Property Council’s February Office Market Report will capture East Perth specific information about office vacancies and performance.

Property Council of Australia

Retirement village review risks alienating residents and operators

Skyline Skyline
19 Dec 2019

Property Council of Australia says the State Government's retirement village review lacks transparency and is being made overly complex.

Future leader calls for attitude change

Skyline Skyline
18 Dec 2019

Unapologetic property industry advocate, Urbis associate director Sean Morrison, has used his platform as Stan Perron Future Leader 2019 to call for West Australians to change their attitude to planning.

Property Council of Australia

Property Council WA praises revised City of Perth population targets

Skyline Skyline
05 Dec 2019

The City of Perth’s decision to more than double its residential population targets to 90,000 will help central Perth reach its potential.

Property Council of Australia

Drone delivery poses new challenges for WA industrial players

Skyline Skyline
13 Nov 2019

A panel of experts has told a Property Council WA event that drone delivery is closer to becoming a reality - and will require a re-think from planners.

Bulls N' BearsView all

Bulls N' Bears
Rox Resources

Ounce to the tonne dirt for Rox/Venus at Youanmi

Matt Birney Matt Birney
20 Jan 2020

The Grace prospect is holding up as potentially a stand-alone discovery for JV partners, Rox Resources and Venus Metals, with assay results hot off the press of 8m going 37.25g/t, including a 4m zone grading 73.81g/t gold from 48m. Rox and Venus recently identified Grace at their Youanmi South project in the Goldfields, a prospect that literally sits right between the historically mined Youanmi pit and the mothballed mill.

Blackstone Minerals

Good morning Vietnam – Blackstone hits 60m nickel zone

Matt Birney Matt Birney
20 Jan 2020

Blackstone Minerals has revealed the most impressive drill result to date at its Ta Khoa nickel project in Vietnam with 60m grading 1.3% nickel and another 11.9m at 1.09% nickel contained within another 142m intersection further down in the same drill hole at the King Cobra prospect. The 60m intersection also showed 0.22% copper and 0.29g/t PGM plus gold.

Hot Chili

649m copper hit for Hot Chili in Chile

Matt Birney Matt Birney
20 Jan 2020

After lighting a fire under its Chilean Cortadera copper-gold project in late 2019, the first intersection in the latest step-out drilling program for Hot Chili has continued the company’s extraordinary run of ultra-deep drilling success. Latest numbers include a 649m mineralised zone going 0.4% copper and 0.1g/t gold. The latest hole in the current eight-hole program also intersected 440 meters grading 0.5% copper and 0.2 g/t gold.

Norwest Energy

Norwest bolsters cash position in readiness for Lockyer Deep

Matt Birney Matt Birney
16 Jan 2020

Norwest Energy has topped up its cash box in readiness for the drilling of its Lockyer Deep prospect in the Northern Perth Basin. The final payment of A$630,000 was received this week for the sale of its interest in production licence L14 in the North Perth Basin. Norwest is getting set to drill Locker Deep in partnership with uber-successful resources house, Mineral Resources who is not known for backing duds.

Azumah Resources

Ibaera approaching critical percentage in Azumah takeover

Matt Birney Matt Birney
16 Jan 2020

Private equity firm, Ibaera now holds a relevant interest in Azumah Resources of 88.85% following last year’s off-market takeover bid. Azhuma’s sole independent director has encouraged remaining holders to accept the offer before the official closing date of the 17th January. If Ibaera acquires 90% or more of Azumah’s shares, it will likely move to compulsorily attain any remaining shares and/or delist the company from the ASX.

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Thought LeadershipView all

The CEO Institute

Lessons learned from our farmers

Steve Stanley Steve Stanley
16 Jan 2020

Recently, I had the privilege of escorting a second group of CEOs, from The CEO Institute, to visit the business of one of the members.  He happens to be a farmer and produces crops of various types,

The future of mining rehabilitation is here

Anthony Walker Anthony Walker
16 Jan 2020

It’s a well-known fact that mining has been a significant primary industry and a major contributor to the Australian economy since the 1800s, with more than 150,000sqkm of Australia’s land surface dir

Blackburne

The new Australian property dream

ONE Subiaco
09 Jan 2020

Australia’s love affair with a home among the gumtrees and a verandah out the front on a quarter acre block is forcing many into hour-long commutes at the expense of quality time with their families. 

Blackburne

Welcome to the future of green city living

ONE Subiaco
09 Jan 2020

A new development in Subiaco is looking to shake-up the urban landscape with a series of sustainability initiatives. 

World leading edtech company Crimson Education forms groundbreaking partnership with inspired schools

Alex Cork Alex Cork
12 Dec 2019

Inspired’s Teachers and Students to Gain Access to Crimson’s Global World Leading College Counselling Services and Technology Platform