Transport & Logistics

The state government's asset sales campaign has hit a major snag today, with state Nationals leader Terry Redman announcing the party would not support the sale of Fremantle Ports, which had been forecast to raise $2 billion.

Hailing a cab during busy periods is set to become easier after the competition watchdog decided to allow a new smartphone taxi booking app called "ihail".

Adelaide-based York Civil has been awarded a $32.1 million contract to build the new Charles Street bus bridge and busway for the state government.

Transport Minister Dean Nalder has highlighted the social benefits of Roe 8 and touted the minimal environmental impact of the project at a lunch today, adding that the link would need to be built regardless of any move to an outer harbour.

Henderson-based shipbuilder Austal’s long-running relationship with the US Navy has generated more work, with the company receiving a $US13.9 million ($A18.1 million) addition to a previously awarded contract.

Logistics firm QUBE Holdings has raised $250 million through a rights share placement to institutional investors as part of its fund raising related to the Asciano acquisition.

The Pacific National rail business and the Patrick container terminal business are set to come under new ownership after Asciano agreed to a $9.05 billion takeover deal that is designed to sidestep regulatory concerns.

Grain handler CBH Group has called for more information on the $1 billion-plus offer from Graincorp-backed Australian Grains Champion to corporatise and list the cooperative, highlighting concerns around long term cost increases, the proportion of grower ownership and board representation.

Takeover target Asciano has lifted its first-half profit on the back of strong coal haulage volumes but warns its earnings for the full-year could still be flat.

Rival bidders for rail and ports giant Asciano are considering making a joint, all-cash $9.05 billion bid in an effort to seal the long-running takeover battle.

Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce is basking in the glow of the airline's record first-half profit, and plans to stick around for more.

Austal has doubled its interim dividend after growing revenue and boosting its cash flow, despite posting a 41.8 per cent fall in profit for the six months to December.

Automotive Holdings Group has posted a solid half-year result with profit and revenue up, driven mostly by the company’s retail business but offset by its logistics divisions.

Perth contractor NRW Holdings has had a major boost, with the state government selecting the company's joint venture with Italy’s Salini Impregilo as preferred contractor for the $2 billion Forrestfield-Airport Rail Link.

Sydney-based GrainCorp has emerged as a cornerstone investor in a bid to corporatise and list CBH Group, through a complex deal that would deliver up to $1 billion in cash plus share

Perth-based trucking company CTI Logistics has flagged an 18 per cent slide in half-year profit on the back of the economic downturn.

Takeover target Asciano has recommended shareholders accept a $9.01 billion offer from a consortium led by QUBE Holdings after failing to attract a rival matching bid.

Marine services provider Bhagwan Marine has won a contract to provide its services to American company Foss Teras Marine on an oil and gas construction project in Russia.

Special report: A subsidiary of global banking giant Goldman Sachs is backing a local private equity player to develop a freight hub near Bullsbrook, in anticipation of increased freight movements connected with the state government’s Northlink WA project.

Listed companies Alliance Aviation Services and Virgin Australia have teamed up to help grow their respective charter businesses in the national fly-in, fly-out market.

Aurizon has swung to a half-year net loss of $108 million after taking higher-than-estimated impairments from its West Pilbara iron ore project amid challenging market conditions.

Perth-based Automotive Holdings Group has appointed former Qantas senior executive Stephen Cleary chief executive of the company’s logistics business.

Virgin Australia is flying high on the back of 12-year low oil prices and higher domestic airfares.

Geraldton-based Bhagwan Marine has grown its subsea services division with the acquisition of Delta Subsea for an undisclosed amount.

SPECIAL REPORT: Amid controversy surrounding Roe 8 and the privatisation of Fremantle Port, a shift to an outer harbour in Cockburn Sound is a question of when, not if, according to proponents.

The long-running takeover battle for Australian rail and ports operator Asciano is set to intensify after the consortium led by QUBE Holdings improved on its offer price.

Transport and logistics business McAleese Group has flagged an impairment of up to $55 million in its half-year accounts, while remaining quiet on speculation of a recapitalisation plan.

The long-running takeover battle for Australian ports and rail operator Asciano will continue after the competition watchdog delayed its decision on the rival bids.

Western Australia started 2016 on the wrong foot with the number of new cars sold in the state already tailing the national average in January.

The state government has again changed its mind on a key election promise, with Transport Minister Dean Nalder saying he is now in favour of an underground heavy rail system for Perth's north-western suburbs.

Uber's ride-sharing service is delivering benefits of more than $80 million to Australian consumers as users flock to the new and cheaper travel service.

The new chief executive of Western Australia’s oldest company, and one of the state’s biggest trucking and logistics operators, believes there are growth opportunities across most parts of the business despite the downturn in mining and resources.