This Month
Advent Partners sells Frosty Boy to US buyer
Advent first took a stake in the soft-serve manufacturer in late 2016, seeking to ramp up its operations in Asia, the Middle East and Latin America.
- Sarah Thompson, Kanika Sood and Emma Rapaport
Guzman y Gomez appoints Kmart and Target executive as new CFO
Backed by TDM Growth Partners, Barrenjoey and Aware Super, the company is attempting to end a period of leadership instability ahead of an ASX listing.
- Primrose Riordan
McDonald’s’ new CosMc’s beverage-shop pilot looks a lot like Starbucks
The store in Chicago heralds more outlets that will offer customisable drinks such as Churro Frappés and Tropical Spiceades, plus food items.
- Jonathan Roeder and Daniela Sirtori-Cortina
- Exclusive
- Active investing
Guzman y Gomez’s owners step in amid executive exodus
Despite the internal turmoil, TDM Growth Partners says the Mexican food restaurant chain could be valued at more than $2 billion, and an IPO is still on the cards.
- Primrose Riordan, Carrie LaFrenz and Max Mason
November
Project Ubud: How Seven & i won the day at 7-Eleven
Azure and Ashurst began reaching out to potential bidders in February with documents on the sale and eventually shook out four credible bids.
- Sarah Thompson, Kanika Sood and Emma Rapaport
Endeavour spat: Major shareholders move against chairman Peter Hearl
Street Talk understands Aussie equities power duo AustralianSuper’s Shaun Manuell and Perpetual’s Vince Pezzullo are teaming up again.
- Sarah Thompson, Kanika Sood and Emma Rapaport
- Exclusive
- Investing
How Guzman y Gomez bungled its grand plans to be the next McDonald’s
Documents filed with a California court reveal how ex-managers allege the Mexican-themed restaurant chain sent its boss to a “cult-like” life coach.
- Primrose Riordan
Where Melbourne’s top bankers love to lunch
Melbourne’s tight-knit banking crowd leverages the city’s reputation for fine dining while embracing its international diaspora when entertaining clients.
- Aaron Weinman and Myriam Robin
October
My best career advice: develop good manners
It was Bega Group chairman Barry Irvin’s mum who gave him what turned out to be the best career advice he has ever been given.
- Sally Patten and Euan Black
7-Eleven posts higher profits but warns of spending slump
The country’s largest convenience retailer is in the midst of an auction process after being placed on the market by the Withers and Barlow families.
- Updated
- Carrie LaFrenz
- Exclusive
- Retail
Heavy interest in Sara Lee rescue
More than 40 potential buyers are lining up for the iconic frozen baked goods and desserts brand which went under a week ago.
- Updated
- Carrie LaFrenz
- Exclusive
- Retail
Chocolate maker Godiva plots Australian expansion
The North Asian private equity owners of the luxury Belgian chocolate brand are growing locally – all part of readying for an eventual sale.
- Carrie LaFrenz
Is London’s new $1400 steak worth it?
A Japanese restaurant in the capital is offering super-premium Tajima black Wagyu beef – at eye-watering prices.
- Bill Knott
Iconic fruit and vege biz SPC launches targeted capital raise
The 100-year-old company is seeking to raise up to $20 million from investors, but they must be residents of Victoria’s Goulburn Valley region.
- Sarah Thompson, Kanika Sood and Emma Rapaport
Chocolate maker abandons $70m Ferrero Rocher nut orchards
The Riverina estate was planted with 1 million hazelnut trees to supply nuts for Ferrero Rocher chocolates but will be put up for sale for $80 million.
- Larry Schlesinger
Guzman Y Gomez in IPO prep; market baulks at valuation
The business is worth less than half of what Barrenjoey Capital Partners paid for it just 1½ years ago, sources said.
- Sarah Thompson, Kanika Sood and Emma Rapaport
Frozen out: Sara Lee calls in administrators
The PE-backed frozen baked goods and desserts brand has appointed FTI Consulting to sell or restructure the business.
- Carrie LaFrenz
Ozempic short-selling wave storms ASX
Alarm bells are ringing on Wall Street about the toll of the diabetes drug, which is also used to treat weight loss and has flattened CSL’s valuation.
- Carrie LaFrenz
Coles boss expects more cooking at home this Christmas
Last year was a splurge. But this holiday season, CEO Leah Weckert says cost-of-living is top of mind and consumers will eat out less and cook at home.
- Carrie LaFrenz
Aldi still gaining as food price inflation to ease, says survey
Food price inflation is set to ease, Aldi is still winning share from the majors and supplier margins are under pressure.
- Carrie LaFrenz
