This Month
Pubs billionaire lashes rival’s ‘appalling’ Australia Day stance
Bruce Mathieson says it is “stupid stuff” for rival Australian Venue Co, with 234 venues, to steer clear of Australia Day celebrations.
- Simon Evans
November
Pub spending up since grand final week
The boss of Australia’s second-largest pubs group, Australian Venue Co, says Christmas bookings are up 16 per cent and cocktails and spirits sales now equal beer.
- Simon Evans
Charter Hall calls for independent valuer in HPI takeover fight
The property giant and its partner, super fund Hostplus, have extended their takeover bid for a third time in an effort to get more investors onside.
- Campbell Kwan
- Exclusive
- Commercial real estate
Commonwealth Bank takes control of Jon Adgemis’ yacht
The boat was built in 1974 in Italy and was advertised for sale in 2010 with a price tag of $2.85 million.
- Primrose Riordan and Sarah Thompson
HPI in talks to buy six pubs as it defends against takeover bid
The group is considering co-investing in hotels alongside “top tier” operators.
- Larry Schlesinger
EV chargers, fast food key to pub giant’s growth plan
Hotel Property Investments directors will tell shareholders about plans to install EV chargers to enhance earnings amid a takeover battle with Charter Hall.
- Larry Schlesinger
- Updated
- Food & drink
Endeavour warns on profits amid sluggish liquor store sales
The owner of Dan Murphy’s and BWS is still ahead of the market and next biggest competitor, but increased discounting is hurting margins and earnings.
- Updated
- Carrie LaFrenz
October
Rich Lister Nick Politis lobs $77m takeover bid for Qld pub owner
Eumundi Group’s portfolio includes the Ashmore Tavern on the Gold Coast, the Aspley Central Tavern in Brisbane’s north and the Plough Inn on South Bank.
- Larry Schlesinger
Virtical’s Adelphi Hotel sold for discounted $19m
Collapsed pub and hotel developer and operator Virtical bought the boutique Melbourne hotel on Flinders Lane for $25 million in 2023.
- Larry Schlesinger
Celebrated chef Guy Grossi distances himself from Jon Adgemis
His company could join other parties that the Public Hospitality Group boss once worked with that have already walked away.
- Primrose Riordan
Charter Hall empty-handed after ‘best and final’ offer for pub owner
Charter Hall and Hostplus have failed to convince the board of Hotel Property Investments after they lifted their offer by 5.5 per cent to $3.85 per unit.
- Updated
- Larry Schlesinger
Revealed: Australia’s 50 most valuable pubs
They’re etched into the national psyche – a place for a pint, a pie and a punt. But hotels are also serious business and increasingly expensive trophy assets.
- Larry Schlesinger
Jon Adgemis says funds moved from pub group was at lenders’ behest
The administrator of a collapsed portion of the pubs and hotels empire had alleged $9 million was transferred over a year as the company began to collapse.
- Primrose Riordan
Jon Adgemis’ CFO voted into rich Sydney council
Alexander Andruska has described himself as the CFO “of a group that has several businesses in NSW and Victoria”. That is, Adgemis’ JAGA Group.
- Myriam Robin
- Exclusive
- Gambling
Jon Adgemis allegedly transferred funds out of collapsing pubs group
The high-flying businessman built a hotel empire. But part of the company collapsed, with administrators presenting the initial findings of what went wrong.
- Primrose Riordan
- Exclusive
- Commercial real estate
Lender taking over Adgemis pubs floats new George Calombaris diner
The restaurant is part of a broader plan to take over more of Jon Adgemis’ assets, as he loses grip on more of his former hospitality empire.
- Primrose Riordan
- Exclusive
- Responsible lending
Five of Jon Adgemis’ former venues to hit the market
Colliers have been appointed to market a large chunk of the former KPMG dealmaker’s pub empire, Public Hospitality.
- Primrose Riordan
- Exclusive
- Deutsche Bank
Ed Peter’s Duxton Pubs dangles 2025 IPO as it seeks $35m
Some parts of Peter’s South Australian business empire have come under pressure as investors get cold feet.
- Primrose Riordan and Sarah Thompson
Ed Peter’s Duxton Pubs appointed wife, sons to roles in business
The decision has inflamed tensions with big investors at the same time as the asset manager contends with broader financial pressures and sells properties.
- Updated
- Primrose Riordan and Simon Evans
- Exclusive
- Managed funds
Ed Peter’s Duxton empire in pain as it cuts jobs, sells properties
The former bank executive has built a considerable asset management business with wealthy backers. But tough times have forced it to restructure – and shrink.
- Primrose Riordan and Simon Evans
