Bridging Continents: Inbound Investment from the UAE to Australia

20 Nov 2024: Vega Industries, (Middle East) F.Z.E. acquired an additional 13% stake in Vega MPS PTY Limited for A$2.7 million. This acquisition increases Vega ME’s total shareholding in VMPS to 56%, further consolidating its position in the global mining equipment market.

CWL Capital announced majority acquisition of Pressure Dynamics (PDs) and its subsidiary, United Fluid Power (UFP). PDs offers specialized hydraulic and crane services across multiple regions and sectors, adding significant value to the CWL portfolio. The financial details of the deal were not disclosed. This move aligned with the company’s strategy to partner with growth-oriented companies that share its values.​

Vega Industries (Middle East) F.Z.E. acquired a 13% stake in Vega Mps Pty Limited for a total consideration of A$3.9 million, which was paid entirely in cash. This strategic investment increased Vega Industries' ownership in Vega Mps Pty Limited from 30% to 43%.​

Transurban Group, AustralianSuper, Tawreed Investments, and Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ) acquired the remaining 49% of Sydney Motorway Corporation from the NSW Government for A$11.1 billion. Transurban funded its A$5.56 billion contribution through new equity and existing liquidity. Post-transaction, the consortium would hold 100% of Sydney Motorway Corporation with Transurban at 50%, AustralianSuper at 20.5%, Canada Pension Plan Investment at 10.5%, Tawreed at 9%, and CDPQ at 10%. ​

Sterling and Wilson Solar Ltd through its subsidiary Sterling and Wilson International Solar FZCO acquired the remaining shares in Australian electrical and solar contractor GCO Solar Pty. The company purchased 792,000 equity shares, adding to its previous 76% stake. GCO Solar, established in 2007, provides EPC services for electrical and solar PV projects and reported a turnover of A$8.51 million for FY20. The acquisition made GCO Solar a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sterling and Wilson International Solar FZCO.​

Unique Group acquired the marine division of Western Advance. This acquisition would provide enhanced opportunities for marine customers and partners in the Asia Pacific region. Recently, Western Advance partnered with Unique Group to develop and expand the marine rental division. This acquisition strengthened Unique Group's presence in Australia, complementing its operations in the USA, UK, South Africa, India, Europe, the Middle East, and Singapore.

DP World Limited agreed to acquire an additional minority stake in DP World Australia (Holding) Pty Ltd from Gateway Infrastructure Investments for an enterprise value of approximately A$1.4 billion. Post-transaction, DP World Australia would become a consolidated entity within the DP World Group. This deal aimed to consolidate DP World Australia to enhance operational efficiency, market presence, and financial performance.

Transurban Group and partners executed an agreement to acquire a 51% stake in Westconnex from the Government of New South Wales for A$9.3 billion. The consortium included Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, AustralianSuper Pty Ltd, and Tawreed Investments Ltd. The purpose of the transaction was to gain control over Westconnex and its future toll revenues.

Dar Al-Handasah Consultants Shair and Partners Holdings Limited acquired an 8.67% stake in WorleyParsons Limited at an offer price of A$10.35 per share, valuing the transaction at A$222.4 million. The offer price represented a premium of 30.4%. The purpose of the acquisition aligned with Dar Group’s long-term strategic perspective.

Ghassan Aboud Group acquired Ambassador Hotels Pty Ltd, a hotel operator based in Sydney, for an estimated total value of A$100 million. This acquisition marked the group’s strategic expansion into the Australian hospitality market. The goal of the company’s move was to diversify their investment portfolio and strengthen their global presence.

Dale Ventures invested A$2.5 million in Australian tech start-up Metro 1 Travel and Technology Pty Ltd, the operator of an online rail website, securing a 20% stake. This investment would help the company expand further into Europe and North America, enhancing its mission to promote sustainable transport and become a leading travel app for rail and public transport.

Ghassan Aboud Group acquired Vincent Hotel in Brisbane’s Howard Smith Wharves, Australia. The deal was valued at A$70 million, and Vincent Hotel was formerly known as The Fantauzzo. This acquisition established Ghassan Aboud as the largest independent owner of five-star hotels and resorts in Australia based on the number of guest rooms.

Dnata agreed to acquire Qantas Catering Group Limited from Qantas Airways Limited for an undisclosed amount and included a ten-year catering supply agreement for Qantas flights. The deal aimed to expand Dnata’s business across Australia while benefiting from Dnata’s global expertise. As per the terms and conditions of the deal, 1,200 Qantas catering employees were to join Dnata.

Enayat Ghiasi acquired Howards Storage World Pty Ltd (HSW) for an undisclosed amount. Howards Storage World filed for insolvency in 2016 but managed to save 80% of its store network and retain around 160 jobs under administration by Deloitte Restructuring Services. Post-transaction, 46 of the 58 stores, including three in Perth, would continue operations under the terms of the sale.

GA Group acquired Rydges Tradewinds Cairns from Abacus Funds Management, the Australian investment arm of Abacus Property Group, for an undisclosed amount. The newly formed company planned to renovate the property into a five or six-star hotel located in Cairns' market. The estimated value of the deal was A$34 million.

Action Hotels PLC agreed to acquire the ibis Budget hotel at Melbourne Airport from Accor S.A. for A$8.8 million. The acquisition was funded through A$4.54 million from existing cash resources and the remainder through secured debt. Action Hotels expanded its presence in Australia through this deal while also enhancing shareholder value and increasing the liquidity and attractiveness of its assets.

Emami International FZE acquired a 66.67% stake in Fravin Pty Ltd for approximately A$2.7 million including 1.8 million shares. This acquisition marked Emami's entry into the natural and organic personal care segment, aligning with its strategy to expand into high-growth sectors and enhanced Emami's international presence and product portfolio, leveraging Fravin's expertise in R&D and manufacturing of organic personal care products.

Dubai Investment Fund (DIF) committed to invest in five renewable energy projects in Australia and Europe. The projects included two solar plants in Australia (300 MW), a wind plant in Germany, a solar plant in Spain (both over 125 MW), and a 100 MW energy storage facility. This aligned with DIF's strategy to support sustainable and innovative energy solutions.

Dubai 2020 Limited entered into a binding agreement to acquire an 80% stake in Panton PGM Project and associated tenement from Panoramic Resources Limited for A$12 million and the right to purchase the remaining 20% for A$3 million cash within six months or nine months. The Deposit and any net sale proceeds would be used to provide additional working capital for future restart of operations at its Savannah Nickel Project.

Masdar and Tribe Infrastructure Group secured a 40% stake in the A$511 million East Rockingham Resource Recovery Facility in Perth. Situated 40km south of the city in the Rockingham Industry Zone, the facility will process 300,000 tonnes of non-recyclable municipal, commercial, and industrial waste, along with up to 30,000 tonnes of biosolids annually. Construction had already commenced on the greenfield project.

A consortium comprising CDPQ, Spark Infrastructure, Plenary Group, Hastings Funds Management, Tawreed Investments, and Wren House Infrastructure Management acquired TransGrid's assets from the NSW Government for A$10.3 billion via a 99-year lease. Key stakes included 24.9% for CDPQ and Plenary, 15% for Spark, and 20% for Hastings. The deal was to be financed through A$5.5 billion in debt, a pro-rata entitlement offer by Spark, and cash reserves.

Exchange Minerals FZE acquired an additional 1.36% stake in Artemis Resources Limited for A$0.05 million. Under this agreement, Exchange Minerals acquired 16.66 million shares and increased its stake to 14.94% in Artemis Resources Limited.

Strata Manufacturing PJSC, a United Arab Emirates-based aerospace company, acquired an undisclosed minority stake in BioCina, an Australian contract manufacturing and development organization owned by the U.S.-based investment firm Bridgewest. Ernst & Young Corporate Finance Limited acted as the financial advisor to Strata Manufacturing PJSC.​

Insurance House PJSC, a UAE-based insurance company, acquired Malcolm Hutson & Associates Pty Ltd, an Australian insurance broker. This merger was part of Insurance House Group's strategic expansion, enhancing its presence in Melbourne and extending into South Australia as part of its growth plans for the year.

Insurance House PJSC, a UAE-based insurance company, acquired Australian insurance broker PSB Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd for A$3.2 million. This acquisition aimed to enhance client access and improve professional services and advice delivery.

Abu Dhabi Capital Management LLC, alongside a group of investors, acquired an undisclosed stake in Judo Capital Pty Ltd, an Australia-based lender for small-to-medium businesses, with an investment of A$140 million. This equity raise was intended to support Judo Capital's goal of creating Australia’s first challenger bank, focusing on the SME sector.​

AiDevLab, LLC acquired The Ultimate Date Guide. In a related transaction, AiDevLab, LLC also acquired Klaw Wallets in the USA. Integrating these businesses into its portfolio would strengthen AiDevLab’s capability to deliver innovative e-commerce solutions. This move aligned with AiDevLab’s strategic plan to diversify its portfolio and expand its presence in major global markets.​

Dale Ventures FZE, the UAE-based capital firm acquired Arcadier Pte Ltd, the Australia-based e-commerce platform for online marketplaces. This landmark acquisition underscored Dale Ventures' commitment to nurturing innovative technology with significant global potential.​

Tawreed Investments Ltd., the UAE-based principal investment firm, acquired an undisclosed minority stake in Crown Castle Australia Pty Ltd., the Australia-based company engaged in operating and managing wireless telecommunication towers, from Macquarie Corporate Holdings Pty Limited.​

International Real Estate Partnership Holdings acquired Asia-Pacific business from Cluttons LLP. The Watson Farley & Williams team led by corporate Partner Daniel Saunders, assisted by Associate Andrea Bhamber and Trainee Fred Neville-Jones acted as legal advisor for International Real Estate Partnership Holdings LLC.

Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and Australian Prime Property Fund Commercial managed by Lend Lease Real Estate Investments Limited acquired a property at 8 Spring Street from Heathley Limited for A$69 million.

Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), the United Arab Emirates-based sovereign wealth fund of the Government of Abu Dhabi acquired a 40% stake in Logos Property Pty Ltd., an Australian logistics real estate firm, for A$300 million. This investment strengthened Logos Property's operations. Logos was partially owned by Macquarie Group, which acquired its stake in March 2014.