Mark Beyer

CONSTRUCTION of Western Australia’s fifth woodchip mill formally started last week at the port of Bunbury. Hansol PI’s $12 million facility is one of several new projects planned for the sector.

The debt collection industry has witnessed enormous change over the past few years. Mark Beyer looks at how services have evolved. FOUR years ago, the debt collection industry in Perth was dominated by locally owned and locally run firms.

A NEW debt collection firm focused on a ‘back-to-basics’ strategy has carved out a sizeable share of the Western Australian market.

In this week’s article on Mergers and Acquis-itions, Mark Beyer looks at the impact of tax on M&A transactions.WHEN a business is bought or sold, the tax implications are of

STATE Development Minister Clive Brown had a broad smile on his face last week when he officially launched Wesbeam’s $86 million pine processing project at Wanneroo.

FORMER Western Power managing director David Eiszele, who resigned in controversial circumstances last year, received total payments of $1.148 million in his final six months in the job.

BURSWOOD International Resort Casino believes the major refurbishment completed in late 2001 leaves it well placed to face extra competition in the MICE market.

THE Federal Government’s hardline stance on assistance for the timber industry could derail plans for new investment and jobs.

THE past two years have been disappointing for investors in gaming and resort operator Burswood. The company has reported weak profit results, its share price has fallen and many broking analysts now have a ‘sell’ recommendation on the stock.

THE farm lobby is not considered to be at the vanguard of corporate governance reform, but that has not stopped the WA Farmers Federation taking on wheat marketing company AWB.

In his third article on mergers and acquisitions, Mark Beyer examines the importance of early planning by the key players.

MALLESONS Stephen Jaques partner Leigh Warnick, one of the top corporate advisory lawyers in Perth, is believed to have handed in his notice.

Timber millers, furniture makers and many related businesses have been waiting more than a year for the State Government to finalise its Forest Management Plan.

AUSTRALIA’S 100 largest private and public companies are about to have their ethical and environmental performance rated.

The wheeling and dealing over the future of Hartleys has highlighted the influential network of former Hartleys people in prominent roles around Perth. Mark Beyer reports.

Automated ticketing company ERG will shortly hold meetings of note holders and shareholders to seek approval for a major restructuring. Mark Beyer takes a closer look.

In the second in a series on mergers and acquisitions, Mark Beyer looks at the type of information business owners need to provide potential buyers.

CONTROL of ERG could pass to UK fund manager Ingot Capital Management if the company’s proposed balance sheet restructuring is fully implemented.

AUSTRALIANS paid nearly $214 billion in taxes last financial year, with most paid in the form of personal and company income taxes

In the first of a six-part series on mergers and acquisitions, Mark Beyer looks at who can help with buying and selling of businesses, large and small.

A RECENT survey by CPA Australia has highlighted the potential fall-out from the rising cost of professional indemnity (PI) insurance cover for accountants.

There has been fevered speculation surrounding the future of Hartleys. Mark Beyer sorts through the rumours. THE linkage may seem obscure, but Westpac’s acquisition of BT Financial Group last year could have a critical bearing on the future of Hartleys.

UNITED Farmers Cooperative has finalised a multi-million dollar contract with Anaconda Nickel to supply feedstock for a new fertiliser processing plant.

MUCKINBUDIN wheat farmer Allan Watson and Morawa wheat farmer Chris Moffet should have a lot in common. But their common interest in the future of WA’s grains industry is divided by their off-farm roles.

CRICKET fans will learn all about the virtues of chartered accountants when they watch the finals of the World Cup next month.

ONE sixth of Western Australian farmers are planning to shift some or all of their business from their main bank over the next 12 months, a new study has found.

ELEVEN years ago, a small group of WA farmers shook up the State’s fertiliser market when they started undercutting the big players with cheap imports.

FARMERS adversely affected by drought conditions will benefit from planned changes to the Farm Management Deposit (FMD) scheme.

THE State Government has taken key steps toward implementing its electricity market reforms with the appointment of a steering committee and two international consulting firms.

AUTOMOTIVE Holdings Group (AHG) has taken the extraordinary step of offering a $20,000 reward to try and halt a spate of truck thefts and burglaries.

THERE are at least eight common law tests that can be used by the courts to decide if a worker is a contractor or an employee, according to law firm Deacons.

Warwick Kent is one of Perth’s most respected company directors.