What was Robert Holmes à Court's full birth name and his date and place of birth?

Robert Holmes à Court's full birth name was Michael Robert Hamilton Holmes à Court. He was born on July 27, 1937, in Johannesburg, South Africa.

When and where did Robert Holmes à Court die, and what was the cause of his death?

Robert Holmes à Court died on September 2, 1990, at the age of 53 in Keysbrook, Western Australia. The cause of his death was heart failure.

What significant financial achievement is Robert Holmes à Court known for in Australia?

Robert Holmes à Court is known for becoming Australia's first billionaire. This achievement highlights his substantial success in business and finance.

What were Robert Holmes à Court's educational qualifications?

He pursued higher education in two fields. He studied forestry at the University of Auckland and Massey Agricultural College, graduating with a Bachelor of Agricultural Science. Later, he studied law at the University of Western Australia, earning a Bachelor of Laws.

What were Robert Holmes à Court's primary occupations during his career?

Robert Holmes à Court worked as a lawyer, being admitted to practice as a barrister and solicitor. He is primarily known, however, for his career as a businessman.

Who was Robert Holmes à Court's wife, and when did they marry?

Robert Holmes à Court was married to Janet Lee Ranford, who later became Janet Holmes à Court. They married on May 18, 1966.

How many children did Robert Holmes à Court have, and who are some of his notable sons mentioned in the text?

Robert Holmes à Court had four children. His sons Peter Holmes à Court, Paul Holmes à Court, and Simon Holmes à Court are specifically mentioned in the provided text.

Where did Robert Holmes à Court spend a significant portion of his early life?

Although born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Robert Holmes à Court spent a considerable part of his early life in Southern Rhodesia, which is now known as Zimbabwe.

What were Robert Holmes à Court's early entrepreneurial activities while in school?

During his time at Michaelhouse School in South Africa, Robert Holmes à Court demonstrated early business acumen by earning money through photography, selling pictures to his schoolmates, and driving them home in exchange for their travel allowances.

How did Robert Holmes à Court first enter the corporate world?

He entered the corporate world somewhat by chance in 1970 when his law firm was appointed as the administrative receiver for a small publicly listed company, Western Australian Worsted & Woollen Mills (WA Wool).

What was the initial investment Robert Holmes à Court made in Western Australian Worsted & Woollen Mills (WA Wool)?

Robert Holmes à Court invested $500,000 in the ailing WA Wool company. This investment was conditional on the Western Australian Government forgiving $500,000 in loans it had previously made to the company.

What is the potential source of the funds for Robert Holmes à Court's initial business investment?

The exact source of funds for his initial investment in WA Wool was not clearly stated. However, it is suggested that his mother, Ethnee, may have financed this venture, as she had established and sold businesses and managed investments, eventually providing funds to Robert.

How did Holmes à Court improve the competitiveness of WA Wool after acquiring it?

After acquiring WA Wool, Robert Holmes à Court focused on reducing production costs. He achieved this by installing the latest wool milling and weaving machinery, which he acquired on favorable terms from a Belgian manufacturer looking to enter the Australian market.

What company became Robert Holmes à Court's flagship, and how was it formed?

The Bell Group Ltd. became Robert Holmes à Court's flagship company. It was formed in 1973 when his company, Albany Woollen Mills (formerly WA Wool), acquired Bell Brothers, a West Australian transport and contracting group, through a reverse takeover.

What media interests did The Bell Group acquire?

The Bell Group acquired several local media outlets, including the Albany Advertiser, the Katanning weekly newspaper, the Great Southern Herald, the Collie Mail, and radio station 6VA.

How did Bell Group profit from unsuccessful takeover bids?

Bell Group often profited from unsuccessful takeover bids because the aggressive defenses mounted by the target companies led to inflated share prices. Bell Group could then sell its stake for a gain, as seen in bids for companies like Griffin Coal and Greenbushes Tin.

What was the outcome of Bell Group's 1979 bid for Ansett Transport Industries?

Bell Group's bid for Ansett Transport Industries in 1979 was unsuccessful, as it was defeated by Rupert Murdoch and the roadfreight group TNT. Despite the failure, Bell Group made a profit of $11 million from the venture, which provided capital for future bids.

What significant media challenge did Bell Group undertake in 1980?

In 1980, Bell Group initiated a new Perth newspaper called the Western Mail. This move directly challenged the Herald & Weekly Times group, which owned the established newspaper, The West Australian.

Which UK company did Bell Group acquire in 1982, and what was the nature of the acquisition?

In 1982, Bell Group acquired Lew Grade's UK-based Associated Communications Corporation (ACC) through a boardroom coup. This acquisition gave Bell Group control over ACC's media and other interests.

What happened to ATV Music Publishing after Bell Group acquired it?

After Bell Group acquired ATV Music, which held the Beatles' publishing rights, it sold the ATV Music publishing interests. These were purchased by Michael Jackson, and as part of the deal, Holmes à Court arranged for Jackson to visit Perth for the Channel 7 Telethon.

What was the significance of Bell Group's involvement with Standard Chartered Bank?

Bell Group acted as a 'white knight' by intervening to defeat a hostile £1.9 billion bid from Lloyds Bank for its competitor, Standard Chartered Bank. This action demonstrated Bell Group's influence in major financial transactions.

What was Australian Consolidated Investments (ACI) previously known as, and when did these name changes occur?

ACI was previously known as Bell Resources Ltd from 1984 to 1990. Prior to that, it was known as Wigmores from 1938 to 1984.

What major Australian company did Bell Resources attempt to acquire in 1985?

In 1985, Bell Resources made its most significant bid to acquire control of BHP (Broken Hill Proprietary), which was Australia's largest company at the time. The deal was ultimately unsuccessful.

What was the impact of the October 1987 stock market crash on Bell Group?

The October 1987 crash left Bell Group with valuable assets but insufficient revenue to cover its debts. This financial strain was exacerbated by share raids on Bell Resources by competitors and the withdrawal of a major credit facility, preventing the company from accessing necessary funds.

Who jointly took over Bell Group following the financial difficulties after the 1987 crash?

Following the financial strain after the 1987 crash, Bell Group accepted a joint takeover offer from Bond Corporation and the State Government Insurance Commission (SGIC). Both entities initially acquired a 19.9% stake.

What happened to Bell Resources after Bond Corporation gained control of Bell Group?

After Bond Corporation gained a majority shareholding in Bell Group, it proceeded to strip $500 million from Bell Resources. This action was taken to prop up Bond Corporation's own debts and involved transferring cash and assets, which ultimately led to Bond's chairman, Alan Bond, being jailed.

What were some of the key subsidiaries or assets acquired by Heytesbury Holdings in 1988?

In 1988, Robert Holmes à Court focused on expanding his Heytesbury subsidiaries. Notable acquisitions included Stoll Moss Theatres in London, Sherwin Pastoral Co (which owned large cattle stations in Northern Australia), and the Vasse Felix winery in Margaret River.

What major pastoral stations did Heytesbury purchase in 1989?

In 1989, Heytesbury purchased significant cattle and pastoral stations, including the Victoria River Downs and major Sherwin Pastoral Co properties.

What happened to Bell Resources in 1990, and what was the fate of Bond Corporation and Bell Group?

In 1990, Bell Resources was renamed Australian Consolidated Investments Limited (ACI). Concurrently, Bond Corporation announced a record loss, and later entered a scheme of arrangement in 1991, with receivers taking control of the Bell Group. ACI was eventually delisted from the ASX in 2002.

What were Robert Holmes à Court's personal health factors mentioned in relation to his death?

Robert Holmes à Court was a heavy smoker and also suffered from diabetes, factors that were mentioned in connection with his death from heart failure.

How was Robert Holmes à Court's estate handled after his death?

Robert Holmes à Court died intestate, meaning he did not leave a valid will. Consequently, his estate was to be divided one-third to his widow, Janet, and the remaining two-thirds equally among their four children.

What is the current status of Heytesbury Holdings?

Heytesbury Holdings continues to operate and remains one of the largest private companies in Australia.

What role did Janet Holmes à Court play after her husband's death?

Janet Holmes à Court managed Heytesbury Holdings from the time of her husband's death in 1990 until her retirement in 2005. During her tenure, she was recognized as Australia's richest woman at one point.

What is the current business involvement of Robert Holmes à Court's son, Peter Holmes à Court?

Peter Holmes à Court is a prominent investor and entrepreneur. He is a co-owner of the National Rugby League club South Sydney Rabbitohs, alongside Russell Crowe, and previously divested his share of Heytesbury Holdings.

What is Simon Holmes à Court's current focus and contribution?

Simon Holmes à Court is an academic focused on the environment and climate. He is also the founder of Climate 200, an organization dedicated to climate initiatives.

What was the name of Robert Holmes à Court's horse that won the Melbourne Cup, and in what year?

Robert Holmes à Court's horse, Black Knight, won the Melbourne Cup in 1984. The horse completed the race with a time of 3 minutes and 18.19 seconds.

What was the significance of Michael Jackson's visit to Perth arranged by Holmes à Court?

Robert Holmes à Court persuaded Michael Jackson to make a brief visit to Perth to appear on Channel 7's annual Telethon event as part of the deal when Jackson purchased ATV Music Publishing.

What was the relationship between Bell Group, Bell Resources, and Australian Consolidated Investments?

Bell Group acquired Wigmores in 1983 and renamed it Bell Resources Ltd (BRL). Later, in 1990, Bell Resources was renamed Australian Consolidated Investments Limited (ACI). Bell Group was the parent company that underwent a takeover by Bond Corporation.

What was the outcome of the bid for The Herald and Weekly Times group in 1987 involving Bell Group?

In 1987, Bell Group made a second unsuccessful bid for The Herald and Weekly Times group. This time, the takeover was secured by Rupert Murdoch for $1.8 billion, although Bell Group did acquire ownership of The West Australian newspaper as part of the dealings.

What is the historical connection of Robert Holmes à Court to the Baron Heytesbury title?

Robert Holmes à Court was a great-great-grandson of William Holmes à Court, who was the 2nd Baron Heytesbury. He was also a grand-nephew of the 3rd Baron Heytesbury.

What was the role of the State Government Insurance Commission (SGIC) in the takeover of Bell Group?

The SGIC, along with Bond Corporation, jointly took a 19.9% stake in Bell Group as part of a takeover. This intervention occurred after Bell Group faced financial difficulties following the 1987 stock market crash.

What is the significance of the 'WA Inc' reference in the context of Western Australian business and politics?

The term 'WA Inc' refers to a period in Western Australia characterized by close relationships between government and major businesses, often involving significant deals and controversies. The provided text includes a navbox related to WA Inc, listing organizations and individuals involved, including Robert Holmes à Court and companies like Bell Group and Bond Corporation.

What were the financial results announced by Bond Corporation and Elders IXL in 1990?

In 1990, Bond Corporation announced a record loss of $980 million, while Elders IXL reported a loss of $1.3 billion, indicating widespread financial difficulties in the corporate sector at that time.

What was Ethnee Holmes à Court's relationship to Robert Holmes à Court, and when did she pass away?

Ethnee Holmes à Court was Robert Holmes à Court's mother. She passed away in May 2014 at the age of 98.

How did Robert Holmes à Court's business practices contribute to his reputation?

Robert Holmes à Court was known as one of the world's most feared corporate raiders during the 1980s. His strategy involved acquiring and restructuring companies, often through aggressive tactics, which led to significant growth in his business empire but also considerable controversy.

What was the estimated value of Robert Holmes à Court's business empire immediately before the 1987 stock market crash?

Immediately before the 1987 stock market crash, Robert Holmes à Court's diversified resources and media group was estimated to be worth approximately A$2 billion (two billion Australian dollars).

What was the nature of the 'asset stripping' conducted by Bond Corporation on Bell Resources?

The asset stripping involved Bond Corporation transferring cash from Bell Resources for its own purposes, moving newspaper holdings to Bond Media, and disposing of assets like TVW-7. These actions breached company codes and contributed to Alan Bond's eventual imprisonment.

What does the citation note regarding 'Bell Resources Limited' clarify?

The citation note clarifies that the company Australian Consolidated Investments Pty Limited (formerly Bell Resources Ltd) should not be confused with a similarly named entity, Bell Resources Limited (ABN 44 620 586 334), as the former has not traded under the Bell Resources name for nearly 30 years.

What was the outcome for Australian Consolidated Investments (ACI) in 2002?

In 2002, Australian Consolidated Investments Limited (ACI) was delisted from the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX).

What specific media outlets did Bell Group acquire in its early expansion?

Bell Group acquired several local media outlets, including the Albany Advertiser, the Katanning weekly newspaper, the Great Southern Herald, the Collie Mail, and radio station 6VA.

What was the impact of Robert Holmes à Court's business activities on his shareholders?

Shareholders in Robert Holmes à Court's companies experienced substantial investment growth due to his business strategies and the expansion of his corporate empire.

Robert Holmes U00e0 Court Wiki: The Tycoon's Gambit: Robert Holmes à Court's Financial Empire

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Profile

Personal Identity

Michael Robert Hamilton Holmes à Court (27 July 1937 – 2 September 1990) was a prominent South African-born Australian businessman. He achieved the distinction of becoming Australia's first billionaire.

Education and Early Career

Educated in South Africa and later in Australia, he earned degrees in Agricultural Science and Law. He was admitted to practice as a barrister and solicitor in Western Australia, laying the foundation for his future corporate endeavors.

Known For

Holmes à Court was renowned as one of the world's most formidable corporate raiders during the 1980s. His strategic acquisitions and aggressive business tactics significantly reshaped Australian corporate structures, creating immense shareholder value.

Origins and Foundation

South African Roots

Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Holmes à Court spent his formative years in Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). His early entrepreneurial spirit was evident even during his school days, where he engaged in small ventures to earn money.

Australian Endeavors

He pursued higher education in Australia, studying at the University of Auckland and the University of Western Australia. After graduating with a law degree, he established his legal practice in Perth, marking the beginning of his professional journey in Australia.

Family and Partnership

In 1966, he married Janet Ranford, a science teacher, who became a significant figure in his life and business dealings. Their partnership laid the groundwork for the family's future business ventures.

Building the Empire

Accidental Entry

Holmes à Court's entry into the corporate world was serendipitous, beginning in 1970 when his law firm managed a struggling company, Western Australian Worsted & Woollen Mills (WA Wool). He successfully navigated its restructuring, securing crucial government support.

Strategic Acquisitions

He transformed WA Wool into a listed entity and subsequently acquired numerous small businesses. His mother, Ethnee, played a role in financing his early ventures, leveraging her own business acumen and inherited wealth.

Early Successes

By reducing production costs and installing modern machinery, he revitalized WA Wool. This success provided the platform for further expansion, including acquiring companies like Westate Electrical Industries, demonstrating his early strategic foresight.

The Bell Group Era

Foundation of Bell Group

In 1973, Holmes à Court's WA Wool acquired Bell Brothers, a transport and contracting firm, via a reverse takeover. This pivotal move established The Bell Group Ltd. as his primary corporate vehicle.

Media and Diversification

Bell Group expanded into media, acquiring newspapers and radio stations. It also made significant, though often unsuccessful, bids for major companies, demonstrating a strategy of profiting from market movements and defensive maneuvers.

Acquired regional newspapers and radio stations.
Unsuccessful bids for companies like Griffin Coal and Elders Goldsbrough Mort, often resulting in profits from inflated share prices.
Acquired TVW Enterprises (TVW-7 Perth, SAS-10 Adelaide) and ATV Music, including the Beatles' publishing rights.

A Champion's Victory

Beyond business, Holmes à Court had a passion for horse racing. His horse, Black Knight, famously won the prestigious Melbourne Cup in 1984, a testament to his diverse interests and success.

Strategic Financial Maneuvers

Major Corporate Targets

Holmes à Court's strategy involved targeting large corporations, often through aggressive bids. He aimed to gain control or profit from the ensuing market activity, building substantial cash reserves for future operations.

Acquired Weeks Petroleum, gaining a royalty share in Bass Strait oil and gas.
Purchased a stake in U.S. mining company Asarco.
Acquired significant stock in Texaco.
Made substantial, though ultimately unsuccessful, bids for The Herald and Weekly Times group and Elders IXL.

Bell Resources and BHP

Bell Resources, a key entity under Holmes à Court, made a significant bid for BHP, Australia's largest company. While this bid was ultimately unsuccessful, it highlighted the scale of his ambitions and financial power.

European Ventures

His reach extended internationally, notably with the acquisition of Lew Grade's Associated Communications Corporation (ACC) in the UK. This included managing the sale of ATV Music publishing rights to Michael Jackson.

The Market Crash and Aftermath

Black Monday's Impact

The October 1987 stock market crash significantly impacted Bell Group's highly leveraged structure. Assets were valuable but generated insufficient revenue to cover mounting debts, creating a precarious financial situation.

Credit Withdrawal and Takeover

Merrill Lynch withdrew a critical $1 billion credit facility. This led to a joint takeover of Bell Group by Bond Corporation and the State Government Insurance Commission (SGIC), with Holmes à Court selling his stake for $340 million.

Asset Stripping and Legal Consequences

Bond Corporation subsequently engaged in asset stripping from Bell Resources to cover its own debts. This action led to legal repercussions for Bond Corporation's chairman, Alan Bond, and the eventual collapse of Bell Group.

Enduring Legacy

Heytesbury Holdings

Following the Bell Group crisis, Holmes à Court focused on rebuilding his family company, Heytesbury Holdings. He acquired significant assets, including London's Stoll Moss Theatres and major cattle stations in Northern Australia.

Family and Succession

Robert Holmes à Court died suddenly of heart failure in 1990 at age 53, leaving his estate intestate. His wife, Janet, managed Heytesbury Holdings until her retirement, and their children, including Peter, Paul, and Simon, have pursued their own significant ventures.

Peter Holmes à Court became a notable investor and entrepreneur, co-owning the South Sydney Rabbitohs rugby league team.
Simon Holmes à Court is an academic and founder of the climate fund Climate 200.
Janet Holmes à Court was once Australia's richest woman.

Corporate Impact

His aggressive tactics and ambitious deals left a lasting mark on Australian corporate culture. The subsequent WA Inc Royal Commission investigated the dealings between business and government during that era, partly influenced by the fallout from his ventures.

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References

The Australian: Peter Holmes Ã Court retraces the life of his enigmatic dad

A full list of references for this article are available at the Robert Holmes à Court Wikipedia page

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The Tycoon's Gambit

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Profile 👨‍💼

👤 Personal Identity

🎓 Education and Early Career

🏆 Known For

Origins and Foundation 🌍

🇿🇦 South African Roots

🇦🇺 Australian Endeavors

🤝 Family and Partnership

Building the Empire 🏛️

🚀 Accidental Entry

📈 Strategic Acquisitions

💡 Early Successes

The Bell Group Era 🔔

🏢 Foundation of Bell Group

📰 Media and Diversification

🐎 A Champion's Victory

Strategic Financial Maneuvers 💰

🏦 Major Corporate Targets

🏗️ Bell Resources and BHP

🇬🇧 European Ventures

The Market Crash and Aftermath 📉

💥 Black Monday's Impact

📉 Credit Withdrawal and Takeover

💸 Asset Stripping and Legal Consequences

Enduring Legacy 🏆

🏡 Heytesbury Holdings

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family and Succession

⚖️ Corporate Impact

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

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📜 References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Profile

Personal Identity

Education and Early Career

Known For

Origins and Foundation

South African Roots

Australian Endeavors

Family and Partnership

Building the Empire

Accidental Entry

Strategic Acquisitions

Early Successes

The Bell Group Era

Foundation of Bell Group

Media and Diversification

A Champion's Victory

Strategic Financial Maneuvers

Major Corporate Targets

Bell Resources and BHP

European Ventures

The Market Crash and Aftermath

Black Monday's Impact

Credit Withdrawal and Takeover

Asset Stripping and Legal Consequences

Enduring Legacy

Heytesbury Holdings

Family and Succession

Corporate Impact

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice