Sydney-based construction group Roberts Co, revitalised by a $50 million capital injection by its new owner, the Dubai-based developer Arada, is looking to spread its wings beyond NSW to capitalise on emerging opportunities in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Arada, which struck a deal in May to acquire the NSW business of Roberts Co just two months after the company's Victorian subsidiary was placed into administration, has announced a doubling of its planned capital injection into the construction company from the previously announced $25 million to drive the expansion.
The company says the move is aimed at strengthening Roberts Co’s financial position, stabilise its operations and provide the foundation for strategic expansion beyond its core NSW market to leverage sustained growth in South-East Queensland.
The latest investment in Roberts Co announced by Arada aligns with its plans earlier this year to invest up to $100 million to expand Roberts Co’s reach into new markets.
It also reflects Arada’s previously stated intentions to grow Roberts Co’s revenue to $1 billion by 2028.
“Roberts Co has a proud Australian heritage, an outstanding delivery record and a strong reputation for collaboration with clients and partners,” says Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, group CEO of Arada.
“By combining this expertise with Arada’s global scale and financial capacity, we are creating a platform for sustained growth in the Australian market.
“Our $50 million capital injection, including new funds from Arada, underlines our commitment to both stabilise and expand Roberts Co’s operations, particularly into the fast-growing Queensland market.
“We see significant potential in South-East Queensland’s pipeline and are confident Roberts Co is well placed to deliver lasting value for clients and communities.”
Roberts Co plans to broaden its portfolio across the residential, commercial and infrastructure sectors, building on its activities in NSW and setting the business up to seize on opportunities in what the company sees as one of Australia’s most dynamic construction markets.
“This is an important milestone for Roberts Co and a strong vote of confidence in our people, projects and performance,” says George Kostas, CEO of Roberts Co.
“Arada’s backing will help us to deliver on our existing pipeline and set the stage for an exciting phase of expansion - investing in innovation, talent and new market opportunities.
“Queensland, and particularly South-East Queensland, is one of the most active and opportunity-rich regions in Australia right now.
“The lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games will bring unprecedented investment across housing, transport, and infrastructure.
“Roberts Co is eager to play a major role in that transformation and secure a meaningful share of this fast-growing market.”
Roberts Co was founded in 2017 by rich-lister Andrew Roberts, the former CEO of building giant Multiplex, which is the family business originally established by Roberts' father. Roberts Co is a specialist in construction that tackles complex projects in the health, education, commercial, residential, hospitality, industrial, life sciences and defence sectors.
The collapse of the company’s Victorian operations came just two years after the division acquired five Victorian projects affected by the administration of fallen construction giant Probuild.
The NSW business was not affected by the administration, but the sale to Arada has effectively ended Andrew Roberts’ association with the construction sector.
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