Burns Philp

Burns Philp was once a major player in the food manufacturing business. Since its delisting from the Australian Stock Exchange in December 2006 and the subsequent sale of its assets, the company has mainly become a cashed up shell company. It is wholly owned by Graeme Hart's Rank Group.

History

In April 1883, James Burns and Robert Philp began a trading partnership, originally named the "Burns Philp & Company Limited" [ Douglas, N. and Douglas, N. (1996) "Tourism in the Pacific: Historical factors" in Hall, C.M. and Page, S.J. (eds.) "Tourism in the Pacific: Issues and Cases", London pp. 65-80] . They were the first company to offer tourism to New Guinea, in 1884, advertising the 'New Guinea Excursion Trip' [ "Sydney Morning Herald", 16 February 1884 in Douglas, N. (1994) "Electric Shadows in the South Seas: The Pacific Islands in film" in D. Aoki (ed.) "Moving Images of the Pacific Islands: A Guide to Films and Video", Center for Pacific Island Studies: Honolulu, p. 40] . This consisted of a five week trip from Thursday Island and has been described as the "official beginning of tourist cruises in the South Pacific" [Douglas, N. (1994) 'Electric Shadows in the South Seas: The Pacific Islands in film' in D. Aoki (ed.) "Moving Images of the Pacific Islands: A Guide to Films and Video", Center for Pacific Island Studies: Honolulu, p. 40] . The company later published a book titled "Picturesque Travel".

By 1914 the Burns Philp Tourist Department was established advertising tours on Lord Howe and Norfolk Island. Acquisition of the Port Moresby Hotel occurred in the same year, with the Papua Hotel purchased some years later. Burns Philp "maintained a near monopoly on passenger services to Melanesia until the outbreak of the war in the Pacific". [ Douglas, N. and Douglas, N. (1996) "Tourism in the Pacific: Historical factors" in Hall, C.M. and Page, S.J. (eds.) "Tourism in the Pacific: Issues and Cases", London p. 27] The war saw the British government take over some of the Burns Philp fleet and the vessel "Macdui" was sunk in Port Moresby in 1942 on its first voyage as a troop carrier. [ Buckley, K. and Klugman, K. (1983) "The Australian Presence in the Pacific: Burns Philp 1914-1916", George Allen & Unwin: Sydney]

Burns Philp was once involved in the production and distribution of food ingredients and consumer branded food, beverage and related products. The Group operated internationally with leading products and brands enjoying significant market shares in each of its principal markets. Founding partners in Burns Philp were Sir Robert Philp, twice Premier of Queensland, and Sir James Burns, later a member of the Legislative Council of New South Wales and founder/ benefactor of Burnside Presbyterian Homes for Children.

Its product ranges included packaged bread and other baked goods, snack foods, breakfast cereals, edible oils, and meal components. One of the most significant subsidiaries of the business in terms of profit was Goodman Fielder, Australasia’s largest baker, which was floated in an IPO (initial public offering). In 2007 it sold its remaining 20% stake in Goodman Fielder for NZ$676m.

Since 1997 New Zealand billionaire businessman Graeme Hart has had an interest in Burns Philp. He has been on the Board of Directors since 1997 and Chairman since 2004.

In December 2006 Graeme Hart acquired the remaining 42% of Burns Philp he didn't already own and the company was delisted on 20 December 2006. Following the sale of its yeast and spices business to UK firm Associated British Foods, Uncle Toby's to Nestle for NZ$1.1bn, Bluebird Foods to PepsiCo for NZ$245m, and its NZ$676m 20% stake in Goodman Fielder the company became largely a cashed up shell. Burns Philp is wholly-owned by Mr Hart's private investment company Rank Group Limited.

Notes

External links

[http://www.burnsphilp.com.au/ Burns Philp Website]
[http://www.merchant-navy-ships.com/index.php?id=3,0,0,1,0,0 Burns Philp Shipping Company] History