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Robert Holmes à Court, born Michael Robert Hamilton Holmes à Court, commenced his life in Johannesburg, South Africa, on July 27, 1937.
Answer: True
The provided information confirms that Robert Holmes à Court's birth name was Michael Robert Hamilton Holmes à Court, and he was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, on July 27, 1937.
Robert Holmes à Court passed away on September 2, 1990, in Perth, Western Australia, due to heart failure.
Answer: False
The source indicates Robert Holmes à Court died in Keysbrook, Western Australia, not Perth, although the date and cause (heart failure) are consistent.
Robert Holmes à Court held degrees in agricultural science from the University of Auckland and Massey Agricultural College, and law from the University of Western Australia.
Answer: True
Robert Holmes à Court earned a Bachelor of Agricultural Science from the University of Auckland and Massey Agricultural College, alongside a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Western Australia.
Robert Holmes à Court entered into matrimony with Janet Lee Ranford on May 18, 1966.
Answer: True
The records confirm that Robert Holmes à Court married Janet Lee Ranford on May 18, 1966.
Robert Holmes à Court was the father of four children, among whom were his sons Peter, Paul, and Simon.
Answer: True
The provided text states that Robert Holmes à Court had four children, specifically naming his sons Peter, Paul, and Simon.
Although born in Johannesburg, Robert Holmes à Court spent the majority of his formative years in Australia.
Answer: False
Contrary to the statement, Robert Holmes à Court spent a significant portion of his early life in Southern Rhodesia, not Australia.
Robert Holmes à Court's death was reportedly linked, in part, to his habits of heavy smoking and his diagnosis of diabetes.
Answer: True
The source indicates that Robert Holmes à Court's heavy smoking and diabetes were contributing factors to his death.
Robert Holmes à Court died intestate; consequently, his estate was designated for division one-third to his widow and the remaining two-thirds equally among his four children.
Answer: True
While Robert Holmes à Court died intestate, his estate was to be divided one-third to his widow and the remaining two-thirds equally among his four children, not equally among all five.
Robert Holmes à Court was not a direct descendant of the 1st Baron Heytesbury, but rather a descendant of the 2nd Baron.
Answer: True
Robert Holmes à Court was a great-great-grandson of the 2nd Baron Heytesbury, not a direct descendant of the 1st Baron.
What was Robert Holmes à Court's complete birth name?
Answer: Michael Robert Hamilton Holmes à Court
Robert Holmes à Court's full birth name was Michael Robert Hamilton Holmes à Court.
Robert Holmes à Court passed away on September 2, 1990. What was the officially stated cause of his death?
Answer: Heart failure
The stated cause of Robert Holmes à Court's death on September 2, 1990, was heart failure.
Which of the following academic qualifications did Robert Holmes à Court obtain?
Answer: Bachelor of Agricultural Science and Bachelor of Law
Robert Holmes à Court earned degrees in agricultural science and law.
Who was Robert Holmes à Court's wife, whom he married on May 18, 1966?
Answer: Janet Lee Ranford
Robert Holmes à Court married Janet Lee Ranford on May 18, 1966.
Despite his birth in South Africa, where did Robert Holmes à Court spend a significant portion of his early life?
Answer: Southern Rhodesia
Although born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Robert Holmes à Court spent a considerable part of his early life in Southern Rhodesia.
What personal health factors are mentioned in the source as being connected to Robert Holmes à Court's death?
Answer: Heavy smoking and diabetes
The source mentions heavy smoking and diabetes as personal health factors connected to Robert Holmes à Court's death.
Given that Robert Holmes à Court died intestate, how was his estate to be divided?
Answer: One-third to his widow and two-thirds equally among his four children.
As Robert Holmes à Court died intestate, his estate was to be divided one-third to his widow and the remaining two-thirds equally among his four children.
Prior to his extensive career as a prominent businessman, Robert Holmes à Court initially practiced as a lawyer.
Answer: True
Robert Holmes à Court was admitted to practice as a barrister and solicitor, indicating his initial professional engagement was in the legal field before his significant transition into business.
During his attendance at Michaelhouse School, Robert Holmes à Court demonstrated early entrepreneurial initiative by generating income through the sale of photographs and providing transportation services to his peers.
Answer: True
While a student at Michaelhouse, Robert Holmes à Court engaged in entrepreneurial activities, earning money by selling photographs and offering transport services to fellow students.
Robert Holmes à Court's entry into the corporate sphere occurred in 1970 when his legal practice was appointed as the administrative receiver for a publicly listed company, Western Australian Worsted & Woollen Mills (WA Wool).
Answer: False
Robert Holmes à Court entered the corporate world in 1970 when his law firm became the administrative receiver for Western Australian Worsted & Woollen Mills (WA Wool), which was described as a small publicly listed company, not a major international bank.
Robert Holmes à Court's initial investment of $500,000 in WA Wool was conditional upon the company having its prior government loans forgiven.
Answer: False
The condition for Robert Holmes à Court's $500,000 investment in WA Wool was that the *Western Australian Government* forgive its previous loans to the company, not that the company itself forgive its loans.
The source explicitly states that Robert Holmes à Court's mother, Ethnee, provided the entirety of the funds for his initial investment in WA Wool.
Answer: False
While it is suggested that Robert Holmes à Court's mother, Ethnee, may have financed his initial investment in WA Wool, the source does not explicitly state this as a fact.
To enhance the competitiveness of WA Wool, Robert Holmes à Court implemented the installation of the latest wool milling and weaving machinery.
Answer: True
Robert Holmes à Court improved WA Wool's competitiveness by installing the *latest* wool milling and weaving machinery, not outdated equipment.
How did Robert Holmes à Court's mother, Ethnee, potentially contribute to his early business ventures?
Answer: She financed his first business foray and managed investments.
Ethnee Holmes à Court, Robert's mother, is suggested as a potential financier for his initial business ventures, having managed investments and provided funds to him.
How did Robert Holmes à Court demonstrate entrepreneurial skills during his formative school years?
Answer: By running a photography business and offering transport
During his schooling, Robert Holmes à Court demonstrated entrepreneurial skills by operating a photography business and providing transportation services to fellow students.
Through which company did Robert Holmes à Court first enter the corporate world, serving as an administrative receiver?
Answer: Western Australian Worsted & Woollen Mills (WA Wool)
Robert Holmes à Court's initial corporate engagement was as an administrative receiver for Western Australian Worsted & Woollen Mills (WA Wool).
What specific condition was attached to Robert Holmes à Court's $500,000 investment in WA Wool?
Answer: The Western Australian Government had to forgive $500,000 in loans.
The investment of $500,000 by Robert Holmes à Court into WA Wool was contingent upon the Western Australian Government forgiving $500,000 in prior loans to the company.
How did Robert Holmes à Court improve the competitiveness of WA Wool subsequent to its acquisition?
Answer: By installing the latest wool milling and weaving machinery
Robert Holmes à Court enhanced WA Wool's competitiveness by installing the latest wool milling and weaving machinery.
The Bell Group Ltd. emerged as Robert Holmes à Court's flagship enterprise following its acquisition of Bell Brothers, a West Australian transport and contracting firm, via a reverse takeover mechanism.
Answer: True
Bell Group Ltd. became Robert Holmes à Court's primary company after it acquired Bell Brothers, a transport and contracting group, through a reverse takeover.
The Bell Group's expansion into media primarily involved the acquisition of local newspapers and radio stations, rather than national television networks or international radio stations.
Answer: True
The Bell Group's media acquisitions were focused on local outlets such as the Albany Advertiser and radio station 6VA, not national television networks or international radio stations.
Bell Group's 1979 bid for Ansett Transport Industries was ultimately unsuccessful, although it did result in a significant profit that provided capital for subsequent ventures.
Answer: True
The 1979 bid by Bell Group for Ansett Transport Industries was unsuccessful. However, the venture yielded a profit of $11 million, which was subsequently utilized to fund future acquisitions.
In 1980, Bell Group initiated the publication of the Western Mail newspaper, a venture intended to challenge the established newspaper in Perth, The West Australian.
Answer: True
The Western Mail newspaper, launched by Bell Group in 1980, was intended to compete with Perth's established newspaper, The West Australian, not The Sydney Morning Herald.
Bell Group acquired Associated Communications Corporation (ACC) in 1982 through a boardroom coup, rather than a friendly merger with its owner, Lew Grade.
Answer: True
The acquisition of Associated Communications Corporation (ACC) by Bell Group in 1982 was executed via a boardroom coup, which resulted in Lew Grade losing control of his company.
Bell Group acted as a 'white knight' by successfully defending Standard Chartered Bank against a hostile bid from Lloyds Bank.
Answer: True
Bell Group intervened as a 'white knight' to defend Standard Chartered Bank against a hostile takeover bid mounted by Lloyds Bank.
Bell Resources' most significant bid in 1985 was an unsuccessful attempt to gain control of BHP (Broken Hill Proprietary), not the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
Answer: True
The most significant bid by Bell Resources in 1985 was directed at acquiring control of BHP (Broken Hill Proprietary), Australia's largest company at the time, not the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
Michael Jackson's visit to Perth was facilitated by Holmes à Court as part of the transaction for Jackson's acquisition of ATV Music Publishing, not the James Bond film franchise.
Answer: True
Michael Jackson's visit to Perth was arranged by Holmes à Court in connection with Jackson's purchase of ATV Music Publishing, not the James Bond film franchise.
In 1987, Bell Group's bid for The Herald and Weekly Times group was unsuccessful, with Rupert Murdoch ultimately acquiring the entity for $1.8 billion.
Answer: True
Bell Group's 1987 bid for The Herald and Weekly Times group failed, as Rupert Murdoch successfully acquired the entity for $1.8 billion.
What was the nature of the 'boardroom coup' in 1982 involving Associated Communications Corporation (ACC)?
Answer: Bell Group gained control through a boardroom coup, causing Lew Grade to lose control.
In 1982, Robert Holmes à Court orchestrated a boardroom coup to acquire control of Lew Grade's Associated Communications Corporation (ACC), resulting in Grade losing control of his company.
Which company emerged as Robert Holmes à Court's flagship enterprise after the acquisition of Bell Brothers through a reverse takeover?
Answer: The Bell Group Ltd.
The Bell Group Ltd. became Robert Holmes à Court's flagship company following its acquisition of Bell Brothers via a reverse takeover.
Which of the following was not among the local media outlets acquired by The Bell Group?
Answer: The West Australian newspaper
The Bell Group acquired local media outlets such as the Albany Advertiser and radio station 6VA, but not The West Australian newspaper.
What was the financial outcome for Bell Group resulting from its unsuccessful 1979 bid for Ansett Transport Industries?
Answer: A profit of $11 million
Despite the unsuccessful nature of the 1979 bid for Ansett Transport Industries, Bell Group realized a profit of $11 million from the venture.
What was the strategic purpose behind Bell Group's launch of the Western Mail newspaper in 1980?
Answer: To challenge the established newspaper, The West Australian.
The Western Mail newspaper was launched by Bell Group in 1980 with the specific aim of challenging the market dominance of The West Australian.
How did Robert Holmes à Court secure control of the UK company Associated Communications Corporation (ACC) in 1982?
Answer: Via a boardroom coup
Robert Holmes à Court acquired control of Associated Communications Corporation (ACC) in 1982 through a strategic boardroom coup.
What significant transaction involving Michael Jackson was facilitated by Robert Holmes à Court?
Answer: Jackson purchasing ATV Music Publishing
Robert Holmes à Court facilitated Michael Jackson's purchase of ATV Music Publishing.
In relation to which financial institution did Bell Group act as a 'white knight'?
Answer: Standard Chartered Bank
Bell Group intervened as a 'white knight' in the context of Standard Chartered Bank.
What was the primary target of Bell Resources' most significant bid in 1985?
Answer: BHP (Broken Hill Proprietary)
The primary target of Bell Resources' most significant bid in 1985 was BHP (Broken Hill Proprietary).
Bell Group frequently generated profits from unsuccessful takeover bids, a phenomenon attributed to target companies repurchasing Bell's shares at inflated prices as a defensive strategy.
Answer: False
Bell Group profited from unsuccessful bids by selling its stake at a higher price, often due to defensive measures by target companies that inflated share values, rather than target companies buying back Bell's shares at a premium.
Australian Consolidated Investments (ACI) underwent name changes, previously being known as Bell Resources Ltd between 1984 and 1990, and prior to that, as Wigmores.
Answer: True
The entity that became Australian Consolidated Investments (ACI) was indeed known as Bell Resources Ltd from 1984 to 1990, and its earlier iteration was Wigmores.
The stock market crash of October 1987 adversely affected Bell Group, creating financial strain due to insufficient revenue to cover its substantial debts.
Answer: True
The 1987 stock market crash did not benefit Bell Group; instead, it led to significant financial difficulties, leaving the company with insufficient revenue to meet its obligations.
Subsequent to the 1987 stock market crash, Bell Group accepted a joint takeover offer from Bond Corporation and the State Government Insurance Commission (SGIC).
Answer: True
Following the financial repercussions of the 1987 crash, Bell Group was jointly taken over by Bond Corporation and the State Government Insurance Commission (SGIC), not solely by Bond Corporation.
Following Bond Corporation's acquisition of control over Bell Group, it proceeded to strip $500 million from Bell Resources to alleviate its own debt burden, an action that contributed to Alan Bond's eventual imprisonment.
Answer: True
Bond Corporation did indeed strip $500 million from Bell Resources to cover its own debts after gaining control of Bell Group, a move that was linked to Alan Bond's subsequent imprisonment.
In 1990, Bell Resources was renamed Australian Consolidated Investments Limited (ACI); however, Bond Corporation announced a substantial loss, not a profit, during this period.
Answer: True
While Bell Resources was indeed renamed Australian Consolidated Investments Limited (ACI) in 1990, Bond Corporation reported a significant loss that year, contrary to the statement.
Wigmores was acquired by Bell Group and renamed Bell Resources Ltd in 1983/1984. Bell Resources Ltd was subsequently renamed Australian Consolidated Investments Limited (ACI).
Answer: True
Wigmores was acquired by Bell Group and renamed Bell Resources Ltd in 1983/1984. Bell Resources Ltd was subsequently renamed Australian Consolidated Investments Limited (ACI).
Following the 1987 crash, the State Government Insurance Commission (SGIC) was not the sole entity to take a stake in Bell Group; Bond Corporation also participated in the joint takeover.
Answer: True
The State Government Insurance Commission (SGIC) was not the sole entity to acquire a stake in Bell Group after the 1987 crash; Bond Corporation also participated in the joint takeover.
The term 'WA Inc' refers to a period in Western Australian history characterized by significant government-business dealings, often associated with controversy and financial challenges, rather than widespread economic prosperity driven by technology.
Answer: True
The term 'WA Inc' refers to a period marked by controversial government-business relationships in Western Australia, not specifically a period of economic prosperity driven by technology.
In 1990, Bond Corporation reported a record loss of $980 million, and Elders IXL also reported a substantial loss, indicating a difficult corporate environment rather than a strong recovery.
Answer: True
Contrary to the statement, both Bond Corporation and Elders IXL reported significant losses in 1990, signaling financial distress within the corporate sector.
The 'asset stripping' of Bell Resources by Bond Corporation primarily involved transferring cash and assets to cover Bond's debts, rather than selling media holdings to competitors.
Answer: True
The asset stripping of Bell Resources by Bond Corporation involved transferring cash and assets to prop up Bond's debts and moving media holdings to Bond Media, not selling them to external competitors.
A citation note clarifies that Australian Consolidated Investments Pty Limited, formerly Bell Resources Ltd, has not traded under the Bell Resources name for nearly 30 years.
Answer: True
A citation note clarifies that Australian Consolidated Investments Pty Limited, which was formerly Bell Resources Ltd, has not used the Bell Resources name for approximately 30 years.
Immediately preceding the 1987 stock market crash, Robert Holmes à Court's diversified business empire was estimated to possess a value of approximately A$2 billion.
Answer: True
The value of Robert Holmes à Court's extensive business empire was estimated at approximately A$2 billion just prior to the significant stock market downturn in October 1987.
Australian Consolidated Investments (ACI) was delisted from the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) in the year 2002.
Answer: True
The entity known as Australian Consolidated Investments (ACI) ceased trading on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) when it was delisted in 2002.
According to the source, how did Bell Group typically generate profits from unsuccessful takeover bids?
Answer: By selling its stake at a higher price due to inflated share values from defenses.
Bell Group often profited from unsuccessful takeover bids by selling its stake at a premium, as defensive measures by target companies frequently inflated share values.
Prior to being known as Bell Resources Ltd, what was the preceding name of Australian Consolidated Investments (ACI)?
Answer: Wigmores
Australian Consolidated Investments (ACI) was previously known as Wigmores before its renaming to Bell Resources Ltd.
What was the immediate consequence for Bell Group in the aftermath of the October 1987 stock market crash?
Answer: Financial strain due to insufficient revenue to cover debts
The immediate consequence for Bell Group following the 1987 stock market crash was financial strain, stemming from insufficient revenue to cover its debts.
Who jointly assumed control of Bell Group following the financial difficulties precipitated by the 1987 stock market crash?
Answer: Bond Corporation and the State Government Insurance Commission (SGIC)
Bond Corporation and the State Government Insurance Commission (SGIC) jointly took over Bell Group after it faced financial difficulties subsequent to the 1987 stock market crash.
What action did Bond Corporation undertake concerning Bell Resources after securing control of Bell Group?
Answer: Stripped $500 million from it to cover Bond Corporation's debts
After gaining control of Bell Group, Bond Corporation stripped $500 million from Bell Resources to cover its own debts.
What transpired with Bond Corporation and Bell Group during the period of 1990-1991?
Answer: Bond Corporation announced a record loss, and Bell Group entered receivership.
Around 1990-1991, Bond Corporation announced a record loss, and Bell Group subsequently entered receivership.
In 1988, Heytesbury Holdings expanded its portfolio by acquiring Stoll Moss Theatres in London and the Vasse Felix winery located in Margaret River.
Answer: True
Heytesbury Holdings made notable acquisitions in 1988, including Stoll Moss Theatres in London and the Vasse Felix winery in Margaret River.
In 1989, Heytesbury Holdings acquired significant pastoral stations, including Victoria River Downs and properties of Sherwin Pastoral Co., but not the Sydney Opera House or sheep stations in Queensland.
Answer: True
Heytesbury Holdings acquired major pastoral stations in 1989, such as Victoria River Downs and Sherwin Pastoral Co. properties, but did not purchase the Sydney Opera House or sheep stations in Queensland.
Heytesbury Holdings continued its operations following the death of Robert Holmes à Court.
Answer: True
Heytesbury Holdings did not cease operations after Robert Holmes à Court's death; it continues to operate as a significant private company.
Janet Holmes à Court assumed management of Heytesbury Holdings until her retirement in 2005, and at one point, she was acknowledged as Australia's wealthiest woman.
Answer: True
Janet Holmes à Court managed Heytesbury Holdings until her retirement in 2005 and achieved recognition as Australia's richest woman during her tenure.
Simon Holmes à Court is recognized as an academic specializing in environmental issues and is the founder of the climate initiative organization, Climate 200.
Answer: True
Simon Holmes à Court's academic focus is on environmental issues, and he established the Climate 200 initiative.
In 1984, Robert Holmes à Court's horse, Black Knight, achieved victory in the Melbourne Cup, completing the race in 3 minutes and 18.19 seconds.
Answer: True
Black Knight, a horse owned by Robert Holmes à Court, won the Melbourne Cup in 1984 with a recorded time of 3 minutes and 18.19 seconds.
Which of the following acquisitions was key for Heytesbury Holdings in 1988?
Answer: Stoll Moss Theatres
Stoll Moss Theatres in London was a key acquisition for Heytesbury Holdings in 1988.
What major pastoral stations did Heytesbury purchase in 1989?
Answer: Victoria River Downs and Sherwin Pastoral Co properties
In 1989, Heytesbury purchased significant pastoral stations, including Victoria River Downs and properties belonging to Sherwin Pastoral Co.
What role did Janet Holmes à Court assume in managing the family's business interests following her husband's death?
Answer: She managed Heytesbury Holdings until her retirement in 2005.
Janet Holmes à Court managed Heytesbury Holdings from the time of her husband's death until her retirement in 2005.
What is Simon Holmes à Court's primary area of academic focus, and what notable initiative has he founded?
Answer: Environment and climate; founding Climate 200
Simon Holmes à Court's academic focus is on the environment and climate, and he founded the Climate 200 initiative.
In 1984, Robert Holmes à Court's horse, Black Knight, achieved victory in which major horse racing event?
Answer: The Melbourne Cup
Black Knight, owned by Robert Holmes à Court, won the prestigious Melbourne Cup in 1984.
Robert Holmes à Court attained the distinction of becoming Australia's first billionaire, a status primarily achieved through his extensive involvement in the mining sector.
Answer: False
While mining was a significant component of his business empire, Robert Holmes à Court's status as Australia's first billionaire was built upon a diversified portfolio of interests, not solely mining.
Robert Holmes à Court's reputation in the 1980s was characterized by aggressive corporate raiding and strategic acquisition, rather than cautious investment focused on stability.
Answer: True
Robert Holmes à Court was widely known as one of the world's most aggressive corporate raiders during the 1980s, a reputation far removed from that of a cautious investor.
What was the general outcome for shareholders resulting from Robert Holmes à Court's business strategies?
Answer: Shareholders saw substantial investment growth from his strategies.
Shareholders in Robert Holmes à Court's companies generally experienced substantial investment growth, attributable to his business strategies and the expansion of his corporate empire.
In which professional field is Robert Holmes à Court most prominently recognized?
Answer: Business
Robert Holmes à Court is primarily known for his distinguished career as a businessman.