Transport & Logistics

Transport Minister Dean Nalder says he can't rule out insider trading by state government staff in relation to a major contract decision, but the corporate watchdog has so far not indicated any concern.

Singapore Airlines could face a battle from a Chinese competitor if it wants Air New Zealand's cornerstone stake in Virgin Australia, according to analysts.

New car sales continue to drag in Western Australia, with the latest figures revealing a 7.8 per cent slide in March.

The competition regulator has flagged a fresh review of the $9.05 billion takeover of rail and ports giant Asciano and is examining whether the new cross-ownership deal will lead to any common financial interest among the suitors.

Wesfarmers chief executive Richard Goyder has thrown his support behind the state government’s plan to lease Fremantle Ports, saying the state needs a world-class operator to ensure exports are competitive internationally.

Local shipbuilder Austal has received an order from the US Navy for construction of an 11th littoral combat ship, with the deal worth up to $US564 million ($A735 million).

Competition in Perth’s on-demand transport sector is growing, with a new local player, Shofer, entering the market today to battle disruptive giant Uber and the existing taxi industry.

Virgin Australia's ownership is under the spotlight after the airline's biggest shareholder, Air New Zealand, flagged a full or partial sale of its 26 per cent stake.

The state government is facing a fresh legal challenge to its contentious Roe Highway stage 8 extension, this time over Aboriginal heritage approval.

International petroleum giant BP has become the first investor in Sirona Capital’s Northern Gateway industrial estate in Muchea, signing a $15 million deal to take up 2.5 hectares in the developmen

The state government’s privatisation program hit more trouble today, with a mining lobby group that represents the users of the Utah Point wharf condemning a lack of consultation on the proposed sale. It follows a move by the National Party on Tuesday to refer the sale legislation to a parliamentary committee.

Airports are raking in millions of dollars in profit from slugging motorists hefty carpark fees, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission says.

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.