Multiplex (company):
Multiplex is a large Australian-based group of property and construction companies notable for its involvement in large scale projects. The group is involved in construction, property development, facilities management and property funds management (April 2007).[1] The group also owns and operates a portfolio of investment grade commercial and retail properties. It was founded in 1962 in Perth, Western Australia, by John Roberts. Within forty years it was listed on the stock exchange and had involvement in high profile projects, such as Wembley Stadium.
[edit] Profile
In December 2003, it listed on the Australian Stock Exchange with the code of MXG, raising a total of $1.2 billion AUD. Ross McDiven is the Chief Executive Officer. John Roberts died on June 8, 2006.
The group employs over 2,000 people with operations and offices throughout Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the Middle East.
Multiplex announced in late November 2006 that it planned to create a European real-estate fund to increase profits. [2] Multiplex posted a preliminary financial report on 22 February 2007 which announced the group's net profit of $295.6 million AUD.[3]
In January 2007 Multiplex faced a takeover bid which caused its share price to jump 17%. The $4.03 billion AUD proposal was never formally made and the potential bidder remained anonymous. [4]
On June 11, 2007, Brookfield Asset Management proposed an acquisition of Multiplex which valued the company at approximately $7.3 billion AUD.[5] The offer to shareholders of $5.05 per security was supported by the Multiplex board of directors, including the Roberts family, [6] who sold their 26% ownership of Multiplex to Brookfield. The offer also proved popular with investors, with Brookfield rapidly acquiring 90% ownership of the company by 31 October 2007.[7]
Brookfield has indicated it intends to compulsorily acquire the remaining 10% of Multiplex securities and delist the company from the ASX from 12 November 2007. Brookfield published a statement to the ASX outlining its intentions following the acquisition of Multiplex.[8]
[edit] Class Action
In December 2006 Maurice Blackburn Cashman initiated a class action against the Multiplex Group, alleging that from the 2 August 2004 until 30 May 2005 the Company failed to disclose, to security holders and to the ASX, the entire truth regarding the cost increases and delays in the Wembley Stadium project, breaching the Corporations Act.[9] Multiplex has introduced a settlement offer, however as of 11 April 2007 the class action has not been resolved.[10]
[edit] Extortion Threat
In early 2005, Multiplex became the target of an extortion conspiracy. Multiplex was told that if it did not hand over $50 million AUD a sniper would target crane operators on Multiplex sites in either London or Australia. The threats prompted a walkout by crane drivers on two Multiplex sites in Perth, Australia however the deadline for payment passed without incident.[11]The threat was believed to have originated in Sydney, Australia.[12]
[edit] Projects
Multiplex's first project was the laying of a pipeline across the Mandurah estuary. Major construction projects have included:
- Telstra Stadium, Sydney
- Federation Square, Melbourne
- Perth Convention Exhibition Centre, Perth
- Wembley Stadium, London
- Westfield London, London
- Dubai Marina, UAE
- Chifley Square, Sydney
- Central Park, Perth
- Burswood Resort, Perth
- Old Swan Brewery heritage precinct redevelopment, Perth
- Northern Territory Parliament House
- BankWest Tower, Perth
- West Stand, Stamford Bridge Stadium, London
- Sentinel, North Shore City, New Zealand
- Latitude, Sydney
Completion of Wembley Stadium was delayed by almost a year and its cost overruns became the subject of litigation. It is the most expensive stadium ever built, at a cost of £798 million (roughly US$1.57 billion), and has the largest roof-covered seating capacity in the world.
[edit] Future projects
[edit] External links
[edit] References
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