October 2020
ABCC investigating Probuild, Watpac shutdowns
The building industry watchdog is investigating the CFMEU's disruption of five major Sydney building sites over safety issues in the past week as union bargaining heats up.
- David Marin-Guzman
Watpac sites shut in CFMEU safety blitz
Watpac has had Sydney projects shut down for the past three days over union safety concerns but industry fears it is part of a campaign to pressure the builder to sign up to big pay rises.
- Jemima Whyte and David Marin-Guzman
CFMEU subcontractor push 'threatens project delays, costs'
The CFMEU is using the subcontracting sector in NSW to bring in a controversial new rostered-days-off calendar that will shut down state projects, industry warns.
- David Marin-Guzman
September 2020
Build infrastructure to keep jobs, says BESIX Watpac
The Brisbane-based contractor wants goverments to push ahead with new infrastructure projects so it can keep staff on the books.
- Jenny Wiggins
May 2020
Break up project tenders to stop cost blowouts: Watpac CEO
Watpac, now owned by Belgium's BESIX, wants a bigger slice of the infrastructure pie.
- Jenny Wiggins
January 2020
Fair Work to rule in worker privacy case involving swipe-in app
The CFMEU says workers should be allowed to refuse to use an employer's sign-in system when the data can be used for marketing purposes.
- David Marin-Guzman
November 2019
- Exclusive
- Build-to-rent
Victoria to kickstart commercial build-to-rent
State government tenders for redevelopment of public housing that would also allow commercial BTR on leased land.
- Michael Bleby
April 2019
Martin Monro departs Watpac to make way for Lendlease's Ben O'Rourke
Mr Monro, who has been with Watpac for 15 years – seven of them as chief executive – will resign in June to pursue other opportunities.
- Larry Schlesinger
December 2018
McAleese financier stalks Watpac civil and mining unit
A special situations firm that was involved in the recapitalisation of trucking business McAleese is believed to be in talks to acquire ASX-listed Watpac's mining services unit.
- Sarah Thompson and Anthony Macdonald
November 2018
Watpac directors slammed by Sandon Capital for recommending Besix offer
Activist investor Sandon Capital has slammed the board of listed construction firm Watpac for recommending shareholders sell to Belgian firm BESIX at 92c a share.
- Updated
- Larry Schlesinger
October 2018
Belgium's Besix relaunches Watpac takeover bid
Belgian construction giant Besix has renewed its bid to get control of Watpac with a $169 million off-market offer.
- Updated
- Nick Lenaghan
Besix comes back for Watpac, gets board approved takeover
Belgium construction company Besix has made a fresh takeover bid for Australian listed real estate company Watpac.
- Sarah Thompson and Anthony Macdonald
July 2018
Watpac digs up offer for struggling mining unit
Three months after putting its struggling mining business on the chopping block Watpac may be getting some traction.
- Updated
- Sarah Thompson and Anthony Macdonald
June 2018
Shareholders say no: Besix takeover of Watpac voted down
Activist investor Sandon Capital will agitate for boardroom changes at Watpac, after Belgian construction giant Besix failed in its bid to secure two-thirds ownership.
- Updated
- Larry Schlesinger
One fund likely to decide Watpac's fate
It's down to the wire for Belgium's BESIX and its proportional takeover bid for ASX-listed construction company Watpac.
- Updated
- Sarah Thompson, Anthony Macdonald and Julie-anne Sprague
Knife edge vote: Besix to sell out entirely from Watpac if takeover fails
Watpac suitor Besix has warned it will sell out entirely from the ASX-lister builder if shareholders don't vote in favour of its two-thirds takeover.
- Updated
- Larry Schlesinger
May 2018
Besix chief executive rules out higher bid for Watpac
Belgian giant BESIX is unlikely to sweeten its Watpac offer and may walk away if its proportional takeover fails, chief executive Rick Vandenberghe says.
- Updated
- Larry Schlesinger
March 2018
Watpac-BESIX deal not good value for shareholders: Sandon
Belgium construction giant BESIX's proposals to take control of Watpac is facing opposition from activist investor Sandon Capital.
- Updated
- Larry Schlesinger
February 2018
Belgium's BESIX to acquire further 36 per cent of Watpac for $61m
Belgium construction giant BESIX has struck a deal to take its ownership of Watpac to 64 per cent.
- Updated
- Larry Schlesinger
Luminis, law firms help stitch up Watpac deal
Belgian property developer BESIX is seeking to more than double its stake in ASX-listed Watpac via a proportional takeover offer.
- Updated
- Sarah Thompson, Anthony Macdonald and Joyce Moullakis