UAE developer Arada has acquired the New South Wales arm of commercial construction company Roberts Co.
The acquisition includes an immediate $20 million recapitalisation of Roberts Co by Arada, which the Middle Eastern company says will secure the jobs of 120 direct employees and provide essential stability to 600 employees across 200 subcontractors and suppliers connected to the Oz business.
Importantly, the deal will allow Roberts Co to continue work on four major construction projects currently underway in Sydney.
The live projects include the delivery of Carlingford West Public School, the Cumberland High School, the Children’s Hospital at Westmead and the HOME Parramatta Build to Rent (BTR) development.
“The acquisition guarantees the continued delivery of vital infrastructure like hospitals and schools – the kind of facilities that truly shape and support thriving communities,” said Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, group chief executive officer of Arada.
Expertise in construction
Roberts Co was founded in 2017 and has delivered some of NSW’s high-profile construction projects, including Liverpool Hospital, Concord Hospital, the North Shore Health Hub, Zurich Tower and the Moxy Sydney Airport Hotel.
Arada says that it is prepared to invest up to $100 million to expand Roberts Co into new markets, starting with the UAE. It will help Roberts Co reach a goal of annual revenues of $1 billion by 2028.
Key members of the Roberts Co’s leadership team, including executive chairman George Kostas, managing director Emma Shipley and NSW state director Damian Vella, will remain in their roles.
“This is a pivotal moment for our business, as this agreement with Arada brings stability, renewed confidence and security for employees, clients and partners,” Kostas said in a statement.
“Arada’s investment not only restores long-term confidence but gives us a platform for future growth across new sectors and geographies.”
Photograph: Supplied
Sydney Build Expo 2025 pegged to be the biggest in event’s history
