March
Players in alleged $200m GST scam turn on each other in court
Each of the two former directors of pub-owning company Virtical say the other was responsible for invoices that could reveal the biggest GST tax fraud in Australia’s history if proven.
$5m gold bullion twist in hunt for collapsed pub group’s millions
Former Virtical director Mark Toma told a court it wasn’t him who turned up in a Range Rover to buy bullion from a Martin Place gold merchant, as the pub group’s $100 million fake GST refund scandal erupted.
Gallaghers back behind the bar at Sydney’s Jacksons on George
The well-known Sydney publican family has taken one of Sydney’s best-known watering holes.Gone are the sticky carpets, in are the fancy menu and the rooftop bar.
‘Gone ballistic’: Soaring gold price revives mothballed mines
Towns like Coolgardie, population 850, are in the midst of a modern gold rush as investors and entrepreneurs scramble for a piece of the action.
February
Beer sales have slumped. Here’s what Asahi’s CEO is doing about it
Beer consumption is a third lower than it was 20 years ago, prompting Asahi Beverages’ first female CEO to take the company beyond the amber nectar.
January
Sydney developer snaps up last Virtical pub in first trade of 2025
Sydney developer Lyon Group has bought the Hotel Australasia for $4.1m from receivers, after more than $1bn of NSW pubs changed hands in 2024.
Virtical boss may have acted as shadow director after resigning
Administrators say John Palasty controlled key accounts and operations despite resigning from the company that owned Hotel Australasia and a luxury resort project.
December 2024
Want to buy a regional pub? This is what you need to know
Investors are getting back into regional pubs. In a tight economy, they have to focus on a local market, but also have a longer-term bet on real estate.
Rich Lister Sam Arnaout caps year with mega Sydney pubs deal
The real estate magnate has bought Sydney’s Cabramatta Hotel and the El Cortez Hotel in a transaction worth more than $180 million.
Charter Hall’s pursuit pays off as pubs giant accepts $760m bid
After months of opposing the offer, the board of listed pubs landlord Hotel Property Investments has recommended that investors accept the deal.
Redcape bolsters pub portfolio with triple Brisbane swoop
MA Financial’s hospitality group bought the three venues for a combined $66 million following a recent string of asset sales.
Popular Melbourne pub business collapses
Administrators are seeking buyers for businesses that operated The Carlton Club in the Melbourne CBD and the Windsor Castle Hotel in the inner suburbs.
The mystery twist in Adgemis’ fight with Gazal
A long list of Sydneysiders and Melburnians would be keen for the details of the stoush.
Solotel takes charge of three Public Hospitality venues
Under a deal with receivers, the group will operate The Norfolk in Redfern, Oxford House in Paddington, and Camelia Grove Hotel in Alexandria.
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.
November 2024
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.