Rainmakers #24 Robert Holmes a Court: Australia's First Billionaire
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Oct 4, 2025 Explore the intriguing life of Robert Holmes à Court, Australia’s first billionaire, who transformed from lawyer to business tycoon. Discover how he bought distressed companies and charmed rivals into partnerships. The discussion reveals his bold tactics, like greenmailing, that pressured competitors. Learn about his high-profile deals, including a controversial takeover bid for Ansett, and the impact of the 1987 crash on his empire. Finally, get key investment lessons from his ambitious yet risky strategies.
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From Lawyer To Turnaround Operator
- Holmes à Court bought a failed wool mill after his client backed out and turned it profitable by cutting staff and modernizing equipment.
- He closed his law practice and formed Bell Group to repeat this turnaround playbook.
The Ansett Playbook That Changed Him
- Holmes à Court built a 15% stake in Ansett and courted founder Reginald Ansett to win his blessing for change and avoid hostile conflict.
- The attempt drew Rupert Murdoch and other bidders, and Holmes exited when Murdoch engineered a different outcome.
He Shifted From Builder To Market Pressure Trader
- The Ansett episode moved Holmes à Court from operator to greenmailer who used stakes and publicity to force outcomes or sell at a premium.
- He preferred recycling gains quickly rather than holding assets for empire-building.
