Mark Beyer

The recent publication of two listings of influential business leaders provided food for thought about the growing international influence on Western Australia.

Having studied investment cycles over seven decades, Peter Kennedy has identified some extraordinary patterns, and they give him great confidence about the stockmarket outlook.

GDI Property Group and Charter Hall have formally launched investment offers this week, giving wholesale investors an opportunity to buy a stake in two major Perth office buildings.

Rio Tinto has announced plans to cut capital expenditure by more than 20 per cent per year out to 2015, but beyond then will need to consider major new projects to support its growth objectives.

Grocery wholesaler Metcash has lifted its first-half profit more than 20 per cent thanks to its exit from the Franklins line of supermarkets, but its underlyng earnings were weaker as it continued to be affected by deregulation WA and strong competition nationally.

Nedlands company Advanced Geomechanics is hoping to extend its reach into the global subsea engineering market following its directors' decision to sell the business to Dutch multinational Fugro.

Rio Tinto has highlighted the dramatic shift in strategy by the big mining houses by unveiling a ‘low cost' expansion for its Pilbara iron ore business, with plans to lift production at five existing mines before it considers developing any new mines.

The state government needs to tackle real regulatory minefields, like liquor licensing, and not just abolish redundant laws.

Empire Oil and Gas shareholders showed their overwhelming lack of support today towards the company's recently ousted directors by lodging a massive vote against the remuneration report.

Iron Ore Holdings had mixed news for shareholders yesterday, with lower costs likely to bolster its major project but heritage issues causing delays at a second project involving Mineral Resources.

Dalton Gooding has agreed to stand down as chairman of biotech company Avita Medical but shareholders today supported the re-elect

Embattled miner Mirabela Nickel has formally acknowledged “significant uncertainty” about whether it will continue as a going concern, after Canadian regulators issued a ‘cease trade' order.

FEATURE: The trucking and logistics sector is investing in new growth projects around Perth's two major freight hubs, despite the economic slowdown in WA.

BHP Billiton's annual meeting in Perth today resembled a debate on climate change, with chairman Jac Nasser expressing frustration that the company's achievements in that field were not being recognised.

Mineral Resources is expecting to defy the mining services downturn, telling shareholders today that it anticipates strong growth in net profit in the current financial year.

Forge Group's current troubles cast its rapid expansion in a new light.

Automotive Holdings Group was taken by surprise today when two of its major shareholders voted against acceptance of its remuneration report.

Listed company ILH Group has announced that its law firm subsidiaries Rockwell Olivier and Civic Legal plan to merge their Western Australian operations

Apartment developer Psaros has substantially expanded its operations after gaining financial backing from private equity investment groups Dorado and Alceon.

Luxury apartment projects have been a risky business in Perth and not many developers are willing to venture there; but there are a few exceptions.

Development activity in the Perth apartment market has risen to its highest level since the GFC, with national players getting more active in WA.

Persistence is starting to pay off on the government's quest for local council reform.

Oil and gas entrepreneur Peter Allchurch is set to become a major shareholder in Perth company TW Holdings after striking a deal to sell a Texas shale oil project to the listed company.

Another former high-profile politician has found employment in the business world.

The state government has finalised the acquisition of land at James Price Point for future gas projects, as the industry continues to focus on floating LNG developments, with the Scarborough project gaining environmental approval.

AFG Property is set to proceed with construction of its $87 million Richmond Quarter apartment development in East Fremantle after appointing Pindan this week as the builder.

Perth companies Austal and Aquila Resources have bolstered their boards, with the recruitment of two prominent former executives.

Finbar Group is on the lookout for new opportunities in the Pilbara, despite selling less than half the apartments in its most recent project in Karratha.

A recent report on R&D spending in Australia sheds interesting light on the perennial debate over this country's competitive future.

The big gains in Perth residential property prices in the first half of 2013 have come to a screeching halt over the past few months, but the adjustment in Perth pales next to the big falls in the Pilbara.

The lines defining management consulting are becoming increasingly blurred as the sector adapts to a leaner market.

Calibre Group co-founder Ray Munro has agreed to take an executive role at Viento Group, where he will work alongside contracting veterans John Farrell and John Silverthorne.