This Month
The war in Gaza is dividing Australians. Business is worried
Paul Bassat says Australia is fighting a “war of ideas” and losing; John Mullen says business people are too scared to say what they really think and Rod Eddington fears multiculturalism is under threat.
- Patrick Durkin
Solomon Lew’s surprise role model? Vegas mogul Sheldon Adelson
Like the colourful businessman, the billionaire rag trader won’t stop building his empire. And Myer, with a new chief, is finally playing ball.
- Updated
- Jemima Whyte
June
Joe Aston on Qantas’ nosedive | Star CEO’s danger money | Myer’s makeover
This week, Anthony and special guest Joe Aston get advice on negotiating pay from Star Entertainment’s recruit, look at Qantas’ latest fall from grace and go shopping with Solomon Lew at Myer.
Premier, Myer alliance could yield savings of $55m a year
The merger could land the department store chain a $1 billion-plus valuation, brokers say.
- Carrie LaFrenz
- Opinion
- Chanticleer
Myer’s new brigade imagines a future with warring Solomon Lew
Myer’s battle with its biggest shareholder hasn’t been good for anyone, so credit to the new brigade for bringing it to a head.
- Updated
- Anthony Macdonald
Kean gets top climate job; Cettire dives 44pc; Myer’s huge expansion
Read everything that’s happened in the news so far today.
Myer outlines massive expansion plan with Just Jeans, Jay Jays buy
The department store has proposed acquiring several brands owned by Solomon Lew’s Premier Investments, its largest shareholder, in a bid to trigger growth.
- Kylar Loussikian
Lovisa investors remain bullish despite high-profile CEO exit
But brokers have downgraded the Brett Blundy-controlled chain as the executive who oversaw rapid international expansion, Spaniard Victor Herrero, leaves.
- Carrie LaFrenz
- Opinion
- Chanticleer
Brett Blundy’s poaching of Solomon Lew’s exec leaves a big question
As Solomon Lew’s Premier Investments considers a spin-off of Smiggle, the departure of the chain’s boss, John Cheston, raises questions about the timing of such a deal.
- James Thomson
Brett Blundy poaches new Lovisa boss from Solomon Lew’s retail empire
The jeweller’s chief executive, Victor Herrero, will be succeeded by John Cheston, who runs Smiggle. Premier Investments has been hoping to float the kid’s stationery chain.
- Updated
- Carrie LaFrenz
May
- Exclusive
- BOSS
How Geoff Wilson assembled his investment dream team
Philip Lowe, Jennifer Westacott, Mike Baird, David Paradice, Andrew Forrest and Solomon Lew are among the heavy-hitters who have joined Geoff Wilson’s charitable mission to raise money for kids.
- Patrick Durkin
- Exclusive
- Luxury property
Racing heavyweight lists $5.3m penthouse with three terraces
Steve Rosich, who resigned as CEO of the Victorian Racing Club, is selling his Toorak penthouse, while former David Jones CEO Mark McInnes has completed his mansion upgrade nearby.
- Bonnie Campbell
- Opinion
- Retail
Why Olivia Wirth’s top Myer role is a governance fail
Myer’s decision to appoint Olivia Wirth as executive chair and CEO has stunned corporate governance experts but has the full support of Solomon Lew.
- Sue Mitchell
April
‘What Paula wants, Paula gets’: Lindsay Fox’s $152m birthday surprise
A high-profile birthday singalong broke out on billionaire Lindsay Fox’s birthday at the official opening of new $152 million Paula Fox Melanoma and Cancer Centre in Melbourne on Friday.
- Patrick Durkin
Solly Lew’s stake in Myer creeps up to 31pc; UCP on trade
The trade would take Premier Investments to circa 31 per cent of the Australian retail giant’s register.
- Sarah Thompson, Kanika Sood and Emma Rapaport
March
- Updated
- Earnings season
Solomon Lew advances plan to break up Premier Investments
The billionaire rag trader says the aim is to spin off the children’s stationery brand Smiggle and PJs brand Peter Alexander in 2025.
- Updated
- Carrie LaFrenz
- Opinion
- Chanticleer
Solomon Lew’s $3b bet on global growth
Premier Investments is set to split itself in three, launching the Smiggle and Peter Alexander divisions onto the ASX as separate companies.
- Updated
- James Thomson
Bankers’ housing alert; Lew’s $3b bet; PwC’s power players
Read everything that’s happened in the news so far today.
How loyalty saved Myer from the retail graveyard
In 2019 Myer’s loyalty scheme was terminal. Five years later, it is central to driving sales at the recharged department store.
- Carrie LaFrenz
Why Brookfield wants Optus | Myer boss’ big test | Could AI be deflationary?
This week, James and Anthony examine what SingTel could gain from selling Optus, look at whether an ex-Qantas exec could grow Myer, and discuss two tectonic shifts in markets that will decide the next decade.