Foreign companies generating more than $200m
March 26, 2023
Here is a list of 300 foreign companies that are generating more than $200 million in revenues out of Australia each year.
3M, US: formerly Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company which produces over 75,000 products, including adhesives, abrasives, laminates. 3M has operations in more than 60 countries. Market cap of $US93 billion in Feb 2020.
ABB: Swiss, the engineering giant is a leader in power and automation technologies.
Abbott Laboratories: US, pharmaceutical and broad-based health care company involved in discovering new medicines, new technologies and new ways to manage health.
Accenture: US, global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company with forecast 2018 free cash flow of almost $US5 billion.
Accor: France, easily Australia's biggest hotel company, especially after the $1.2 billion takeover of Mantra. #
Acer: Taiwan, computer hardware giant which was founded in 1976 and ranks 2nd for total PCs and notebooks globally, although Apple has cuts its lunch.
ACS: Spanish, seized control of Hochtief in 2010, the German construction company which owns a 76% stake in CIMIC, the old Leighton.
Adidas: German, for over 80 years the Adidas Group has been part of the world of sports on every level, delivering state-of-the-art sports footwear, apparel and accessories. 2017 sales were over 20 billion Euros with operating profit of more than 2 billion Euros.
Agilent Technologies: US, premier measurement company and a technology leader in communications, electronics, life sciences and chemical analysis. 2017 revenues of $US4.47 billion and has ticker "A" on New York Stock Exchange.
Agility Logistics: Kuwait, a leading global provider of integrated logistics for business and government targeting $US800 million in EBITDA by 2020.
AIA, Hong Kong: used to be owned by US giant AIG which was bailed out during the GFC and then floated its AIA division on the Hong Kong stock exchange in 2010. It paid $2.38 billion for CBA's life insurance business in 2019.
AIG: US, insurance giant bailed out by the US government during the GFC but still the world's biggest insurance company, including a big operation in Australia.
Airbus Industrie: European, is one of the world's leading manufacturers of commercial jetliners and military airlifters, with big sales into Australia given the size of Virgin and Qantas.
Air New Zealand: New Zealand, has at times controlled Ansett and as much as 25% of Virgin Australia, but now just generates direct revenue out of Australia from its annual passenger revenue which exceeds $NZ4 billion in a good year.
Airbnb: US: has taken huge market share off the hotel industry and generated millions for Australian property owners as out-lined in this Domain report.
Albermale: US: global specialty chemical giant listed on the NYSE which spent more than $2 billion building its Kermerton lithium hydroxide plant in south-west WA in 2020-22 and was burnt by all the blowouts and delays.
Alcoa: US, aluminium and bauxite joint venture with Alumina.
Aldi: German, continuing to build a simple low cost rival supermarket format to Coles and Woolworths.
AL-KO International: Germany, engineering and technology company specialising in vehicles and garden products. Major Australian plant is in Melbourne.
Allianz: German, insurance giant that picked up the HIH retail assets and in early 2020 was worth 90b Euros plus donated circa 150k to Australia's major political parties in 2018-19.
Altria: US, rebranded tobacco giant Philip Morris which was spun off in March 2008. April 2018 market capitalisation of $US121 billion.
Amazon: US, world's biggest online retailer with a market cap of $US1 trillion in February 2020.
American Express: US, provides merchant card transaction acquiring facilities and arranges insurance services issued by various third parties. April 2018 market capitalisation of $US79 billion ($US109 billion in Feb 2020).
Amgen: US, bio-tech and gene company with April 2018 market capitalisation of $US121 billion ($US136b in Feb 2020) and global revenues of $US23 billion, more than $200 million of which comes from Australia.
Anglo America: South African, bought Acacia and Shell coal assets plus other operations worth more than $10 billion in total. Generated free cash flow of $US4.9 billion in 2017.
AngloGoldAshanti: South Africa, one of the world's major gold miners with Australian operators focused on Sunrise Dam and Tropicana.
Aon: US, is the leading global provider of risk management services, insurance and reinsurance brokerage, and human capital consulting.
Apple: US, the world's most valuable company courtesy of its computers, ipods, ipads and iphones.
ArcelorMittal: Luxembourg, is the world's biggest steel company, with operations in more than 60 countries and 2017 revenues of $US68 billion.
Arkema: France, vinyl products, industrial chemicals and performance products. Originally spun out of French oil major Total in 2006.
Asahi: Japan, originally bought 20% of Foster's but now controls the Schweppes business after paying $1.2 billion in 2008, plus bought CUB in 2019.
Aspen Group: South Africa, pharmaceutical company and Africa's largest which in 2010 agreed to pay $900 million cash for Sigma's pharmaceuticals division. #
Astra-Zeneca: UK, discover, develop, manufacture and market prescription medicines globally. Used to be part of the old ICI and had an April 2018 market capitalisation of $US90 billion ($US130.5 billion in Feb 2020).
AT&T: US, the world's largest telco, based in Texas, has built a solid Australian business. Bought Time Warner in recent years. 32
Baosteel Group Corporation: China, Baosteel is one of the most profitable steel enterprises in the world including 20 overseas and domestic trading companies.
Bank of America: US, didn't have a huge presence in Australia but then bought Merrill Lynch during the GFC.
Banpu: Thailand, the first Thai company to crack this list after buying Centennial Coal for $2.5 billion in 2010. #
Barrick Gold: Canada, gold giant which acquired rival Placer Dome in 2006 giving it a major Australian presence including in Kalgoorlie.
BASF: German, world's biggest chemical company which had global sales in 2017 of 64.5 billion Euros.
Baxter Healthcare: US, is a global healthcare company applying its expertise in medical devices, pharmaceuticals and biotechhnology
Bayer: Germany, a global enterprise with core competencies in the fields of health care, nutrition and high-tech materials. April 2018 market capitalisation of $US95 billion ($US83 billiion Feb 2020).
BAT: UK, are part of the world's most international tobacco group with brands sold in more than 180 markets. April 2018 market capitalisation of $US128 billion ($US102 billion Feb 2020).
Bechtel: US, one of the world's biggest and longest running family companies and a global giant in engineering, construction, and project management. Leigh Clifford sits on the Australian board, which is a big business as he explained in his chairman interview.
Berkshire Hathaway: US, huge investments, some wholly owned insurance operations, plus a direct investment in IAG. Apirl 2018 market capitalisation of $US483 billion ($US558.5 billion Feb 2020).
Bertelsmann: German multi-national controlled by the Mohn family which owns the worlds biggest book publisher, Penguin Random House, amongst many other assets.
Bidvest: South Africa: founded by entrepreneur Brian Joffe and has a big Australian food distribution business which turns over more than $1 billion a year.
Bindaroo Beef Group: China, meat exporter with revenues of more than $500 million a year. Now 51% owned by a Hong Kong family. See 2017 press release.
Blackrock: US: the world's biggest fund manager with close to $US7 trillion under management. Pops up as a substantial shareholder in dozens of ASX listed companies.
Blackstone: US, listed private equity giant with large investments in Australia including a $6 billion property portfolio and 100% of Crown Resorts after a 2022 takeover.
Block Inc: US payments company founded by Twitter founder Jack Dorsey which used to be called Square and also bought Afterpay in 2021.
BMW: German, luxury car industry.
BNP Paribas: France, global bank with 500 people in Australasia and an April 2018 market capitalisation of $US98 billion ($US68 billion Feb 2020).
Boeing: US, is the world's leading aerospace company and the largest manufacturer of commercial jetliners and military aircraft combined. April 2018 market capitalisation of $US191 billion but then smashed by COVID-19.
Bosch: German, electrical and car parts, including old listed Pacifica business which has struggled.
BP: UK, is one of the world's largest oil and gas companies with large stakes in the North West Shelf and a large petrol distribution business which failed in an attempt to buy the Woolworths petrol division and then sold a 49% slice of its Australian petrol stations chain to Charter Hall for $840 million in December 2019. Late 2022 market capitalisation was 84 billion pounds.
Bridgestone: Japan, global tyre manufacturer that also has products ranging from golf equipment to construction materials.
Bristol Myers Squibb: US, bio-pharmaceuticals and research company with a market capitalisation close to $US50 billion.
British Telecom: UK, various telecommunication investments.
Brookfield Asset Management: Canada, paid a hefty $7 billion for Multiplex but kept coming back for more when it bought the old Babcock & Brown Infrastructure. Also spent a ridiculous $18 billion on Victorian focused power utility Ausnet in early 2022 so it is now a top 10 foreign investor in Australia.
BUPA: UK, not for profit health insurer that purchased old National Mutual health business and then doubled up by buying MBF.
Campbell Soup: US, sold Arnotts to KKR in 2019 but still generating plenty in Australia from residual FMCG business.
Canadian Pension Plan: the government owned entitiy has multiple infrastructure investments in Australia but also paid $724 million in a 2020 takeover of Tasmanian agri-business company Websters.
Cannacord Genuity: Canada, a global Canadian investment bank and fund manager which scaled up in Australia with the 2019 purchase of Perth-based broker Patersons but has a market cap of less than $1 billion.
Canon: Japan, global photo and office equipment company with market capitalisation of almost $US50 billion in April 2018.
Capital Group: US, this LA-based funds management has grown into a giant since 1931 and has large stakes in many Australian listed companies.
Cargill: US, is an international provider of food, agricultural and risk management products and services which bought the old commodities management business of AWB.
Caterpillar: US, world's biggest heavy machinery manufacturer with annual sales exceeding $3 billion in Australia. April 2018 market capitalisation of $US85 billion ($US76 billion Feb 2020).
CBS: US, media giant which bought control of Ten Network Holdings for about $200 million in 2017. #
CED: US, bought cable company Metal Manufactures and so big in electrical products that the ACCC is now vetting its bolt-on acquisitions in Australia such as this 2016 deal. #
Chevron: US, is one of the world's largest integrated energy companies. April 2018 market capitalisation of $US219 billion ($US208 billion Feb 2020).
Chemcor: US, the world's largest information provider for the chemical and oil industry.
China Iron and Steel: China, owns 40% of the coastal Pilbara iron-ore mine Channar which produces 10 million tonnes a year.
Chinalco: China, ploughed almost $20 billion into 9% of Rio Tinto and also controls the Hong Kong-listed Chalco which developed a $3 billion bauxite mine in far-north Queensland.
China Petrochemical Corporation: China, China's biggest energy distributor secured 60% control of the Puffin oil field in the Timor Sea.
Cisco Systems: US, the worldwide leader in networking and IT systems. April 2018 market capitalisation of $US196 billion ($US205 billion Feb 2020).
CITIC: China, has a minority stake in the Portland aluminium smelter, large beef interests and also once controlled 20% of Macarthur Coal before selling out.
Citi: US, a leading global financial services company with approximately 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 140 countries. April 2018 market capitalisation of $US176 billion ($US167 billion Feb 2020).
CNOOC: China, government-owned gas company that has 25% of China Gas component of the North West Shelf.
Coca Cola Company: US, used to directly own 30% of ASX listed Coca Cola Amatil, Australia's biggest beverages company, which was taken over for $7.8 billion by its European cousin Coca Cola Enterprises in 2019.
Coleman Asia-Pacific: US, retail, concentrating on outdoor equipment.
Comcast: US, telecommunications and pay-TV giant which also owns NBCUniversal. April 2018 market capitalisation of $US158 billion ($US203 billion Feb 2020).
CompAir Australasia: UK, specialising in compressed air equipment and solutions.
Compass group: US, catering giant employing more than 10,000 Australians.
Conoco-Phillips: US, Houston-based energy giant which owns 56.72% of the giant Bayu-Undan gas field and Darwin LNG plant. April 2018 market capitalisation of $US69 billion ($US65 billion Feb 2020).
Constellation Brands: US, bought wine company BRL Hardy which has performed poorly like most wine operations globally. Also owns a big beer business.
Cooke Inc: Canadian fish giant which paid $1.1 billon for Tasmanian-based salmon giant Tassal in 2021.
Corelogic: US, Californian property data company which completed takeover of RP Data in 2011, valuing the company at about $300 million. #
Costco: US: the big barn retailer is now up to 16 Australian stores and these reportedly generated $3.7 billion of sales in 2021-22.
Corning: Canada, a global leader in telecommunications products and services with 2017 annual sales of $US10 billion.
Daimler-Benz: German, is one of the world's most successful automotive companies with divisions including Mercedes-Benz Cars and Daimler Trucks. April 2018 market capitalisation of $US85 billion ($US52 billion Feb 2020).
Dell Computers: US, established in 1986, are pioneers in the computer industry but suffered at the ands of Apple and the Ipad.
Deutsche Bank: Germany, one of the Big Six global investment banks and the biggest bank in Germany. Usually rates in the 100 most valuable companies globally but April 2018 market capitalisation is only $US28 billion ($US18.8 billion Feb 2020).
DHL: German, the world's largest logistics specialist.
Diageo: UK, the world's leading premium drinks business established in 180 markets globally. Annual profits running at more than $6 billion.
Disney: US, the most successful old media business and now booming in Australia with Disney+ streaming service.
Dubai World: UAE, bought P&O's stevedoring, ports, cold storage and resorts but in 2011 sold 75% of the ports business.
Dow-Du Pont: US, the merged chemical giant of the old Dow Chemical and Du Pont which had an April 2018 market capitalisation of $US148 billion.
DXC Technology: US, the IT consulting and out-sourcing firm associated with Ross Perot which has enjoyed several large Australian contracts, the biggest of which was with the Commonwealth Bank. Created by the 2017 merger of CSC and the enterprise services business of Hewlett Packard. A eytar earlier, CSC lodged this 144 page scheme book detailing its $427m bid for ASX listed UXC. It disclosed that CSC went into the bid with 2,124 Australian staff and $724m of annual revenues and UXC was turning over $686m so it created a local IT giant.
Ebay: US, world's biggest online auction site which does well in Australia. April 2018 market capitalisation of $US38 billion ($US30 billion Feb 2020).
EIG Global Energy Partners: US: Washington-based LNP specialists which had a failed bid for Santos in 2018 and then joined a joint bid for Origin in 2022 where it would take the 27.5% stake in its APLNG project out of Gladstone.
Electrolux: Swedish, is one of the world's leading international appliance companies.
Eli Lilly: US, pharmaceuticals, founded in 1876 and is now one of the 10 largest pharmaceutical companies in the world with an April 2018 market capitalisation of $US84 billion ($US141 billion Feb 2020).
Emirates: United Arab Emirates, flies direct to Australia and derives large Australian revenues from its successful code-share arrangement with Qantas.
ENI: Italian, owns 12% of the giant Bayu-Undan gas field and Darwin LNG plant.
Entain: UK, online gambling company which owns Ladbrokes, one of the major foreign bookmakers operating in Australia. Also bought Neds in 2019.
Ericsson: Swedish, is a world-leading provider of telecommunications equipment and related services to mobile and fixed network operators globally.
Essity: Swedish consumer goods company which took over ASX listed Asaleo Care in a much criticised $684 million deal in 2021.
Etihad: United Arab Emirates, global airline powerhouse which flies direct to Australia and also used to around 20% of Virgin Australia before it collapsed. #
Exide: US, bought Pacific Dunlop's old battery business.
Expedia: US, travel giant which bought Wotif for $703 million in 2014. #
Exxon-Mobil: US, the world's largest publicly traded international oil and gas company with 50% of Bass Strait and many other assets, although the petrol distribution was sold in 2010 after Coles and Woolies destroyed everybody's margins. Used to be world's most valuable company but now swamped by tech majors. Took over ASX listed Ampol Exploration 20 years ago. April 2018 market capitalisation $US318 billion ($US265 billion Feb 2020).
Facebook: US, has quickly emerged as a giant of the Australian advertising business. April 2018 market capitalisation of $US457 billion ($US598 billion Feb 2020).
Fedex: US, owns the global TNT business which started in Australian before being taken over by Dutch firm KPN in 1996. April 2018 market capitalisation $US62 billion ($US39 billion Feb 2020).
Ferrovial: Spanish, services and construction giant which bought Transfield. #
First Data Resources: US, paid $300 million for Cashcard ATM provider.
Fisher & Paykel: NZ, designs, manufactures and markets a range of innovative household appliances.
Flutter Entertainment: Ireland: world's biggest online gambling company which owns Sportsbet, Beteasy, Betfair and a range of other online gambling brands after the merger of Canada's The Stars Group and Ireland Paddy Power Betfair in 2020.
Fluor Daniel: US, engineering and plant management.
Fonterra: New Zealand, the world's leading exporter of dairy products and responsible for more than a quarter of international dairy trade. Bought the old Bonlac assets in Victoria.
Ford: US, global car manufacturing giant.
Fortis: Belgian, financial services which bought ABN Amro's global funds management business.
Frasers: Singapore, paid $2.6 billion for ASX-listed developer Australand in 2014. #
Fuchs Lubricants: Germany, world's largest independent supplier of industrial and specialty lubricants.
Fuji: Japanese, the world's largest photographic and imaging company. 112
GDFSuez: France, enormous utility which trades under the name Engie in Australia and controversially shut Victoria's Hazelwood power station in 2017 and then sold Loy Yang B in 2018.
General Electric: US, a global infrastructure, finance, machinery and media company. April 2018 market capitalisation of $US113 billion ($US112 billion Feb 2020).
General Motors: US, one of the world's largest auto manufacturers, founded in 1908, but is ditching the Holden brand in Australia after also ending manufacturing during the Abbott prime ministership.
GFG Alliance: UK/India, bought most of the old Arrium business from the administrators in 2017. Is controlled by British-born Indian billionaire Sanjeev Gupta.
GIC: Singapore, sovereign wealth fund which owns more than $2 billion of Australian property
Glaxo-Smithkline: UK, one of the industry leaders, with an estimated 7% of the world's pharmaceutical market. Is the most valuable UK drugs company with April 2018 market capitalisation of 70 billion pounds ($86 billion pounds Feb 2020).
Glencore: Swiss, giant commodities trading and mining house which controls Xstrata and is now Australia's biggest coal miner after Rio Tinto exited the industry.
Golden Energy and Resources: Indonesia, owns 75.33% of the ASX listed coal miner Stanmore Resources which in 2021 agreed to pay BHP $US1.2 billion for two Queensland coal mines.
Goldman Sachs: US, bought JB Were minorities out in 2010 and has a strong Australian business. April 2018 market capitalisation of $US98 billion ($US90 billion Feb 2020).
Goodyear: US, one of the world's largest tyre companies.
Google: US, the largest search engine and one of the largest internet companies which also owns Youtube. Is now a top 5 global company with April 2018 market capitalisation of $US700 billion ($US994 billion Feb 2020).
Grand Hotel Group: Malaysian, owns a range of quality hotels in prime locations throughout Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore and China.
Griffon Corporation: US New York based listed company which owns the AMES business in Australia which is a major supplier to Bunnings with brands like Nylex, Cyclone, Northcote Pottery, Hills, Westmix, Supercraft and Kelso. The Australian business is run out of Doncaster.
Hagermeyer: Dutch, Bought Pacific Dunlop's electrical distribution business. #
HanesBrands: US, giant clothing and textiles company which paid $1.1 billion for Pacific Brands in 2017. #
Heidelberg: German, giant building materials company which bought Hanson so controls the old Pioneer Concrete. #
Heineken: Dutch, world's second biggest beer company.
Heinz: US, the most global of all American food companies.
Hewlett Packard: US, a technology company that operates in more than 170 countries around the world and was founded in 1939.
Hilton Corp: US, a leading global hospitality company, with more than 3,500 hotels in 81 countries.
Hitachi: Japan, train systems, power tools and mining equipment are some activities undertaken by this huge conglomerate. Paid $976 million for ASX-listed Bradken in 2017. #
Hoechst: German, one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies established in more than 100 countries.
Holcim: Swiss, big global cement player which owns 30% of Cement Australia and paid $2 billion for the Australian assets of Cemex after it paid $16.5 billion for Rinker. #
HomeAway: US, paid $212 million for the Fairfax travel website Stayz in 2013 and competes with Expedia and AirBNB. #
Honda Motor: Japanese, car manufacturer with April 2018 market capitalisation of $US62 billion ($US47 billion Feb 2020).
Hospira: US, pharmaceutical company spun out of Abbott which paid $2.6 billion for Mayne Pharma (the old FH Faulding) in 2006. #
HSBC: UK and Hong Kong, global banking and broking giant with a big Australian operation.
Hunan Valin Iron and Steel Group: China, steel manufacturer which is second largest shareholder in Fortescue Metals, although no longer represented on the board. #
Hutchison: Hong Kong, telecommunications, ports and power giant which is controlled by billionaire Li Ka-shing and bought the SA power industry giant ETSA, Victoria's Powercor and most recently paid $7.4 billion to take over listed DUET. Also big in ports and controls listed Hutchison Telecommunications, which has now merged with TPG.
China Light & Power: Hong Kong, owns TruEnergy which spent up big buying NSW power assets.
Hyundai-Kia: South Korea, top performing and quickly growing global auto manufacturer.
Iberdrola: Spain, wind energy giant which paid $841 million for Infigen Energy, the old Babcock & Brown Wind, in 2020.
IBM: US, one of the world's most influential technology companies with Australian revenues topping $4 billion. April 2018 market capitalisation of $US139 billion ($US138 billion Feb 2020).
Idemitsu, Japan: one of the world's biggest privately owned energy companies and owns 85% of the Ensham thermal coal mine in Queensland which produces more than 7 million tonnes a year.
Ingram Micro: US, in June 2003 CVC bought a 58.5% stake in Australia's largest IT and technology distributor from Hagemeyer in a deal that valued the whole business at $US345 million. The following year US giant Ingram Micro paid $A700 million for the whole business, as CVC more than tripled its equity investment.
International Hotels Group: UK, world's second biggest hotels player after Accor with brands such as Holiday Inn and Crown Plaza.
Intel: US, the largest computer chip manufacturer. April 2018 market capitalisation of $US228 billion ($US288 billion Feb 2020).
Itochu Minerals: Japanese, mining, energy and engineering.
Infosys: India, defines, designs and delivers technology-enabled business solutions.
Investec: South Africa, specialist banking group that provides a diverse range of financial products and services to a niche client base in three principal markets, the United Kingdom, South Africa and Australia.
Iron Mountain: US, paid $3.4 billion for Recall in 2016 after the records management company was spun off by Brambles. #
Jacobs Douwe Egberts: US, world's largest coffee company after a 2015 merger deal between the old Sara Lee Corp and Mondelez, which was part of the old Kraft-Cadbury combination.
JBS: Brazil, the world's biggest meat processor which has invested hundreds of millions into Australia, including the proposed $550 million purchase of Tasmanian salmon giant Huon Aquaculture. Also owns Primo small goods and is proposing to spend $175 million buying the Rivalea Australia pork business.
Jeld-Wen: New York-based listed American building products giant which was attempting to sell its Australian division in early 2023 spruiking it as having revenues of $US585 million in calendar 2022.
Johnson & Johnson: US, health products such as bandages, sterile products, founded more than 120 years ago. One of the 10 most valuable companies in the world with an April 2018 market capitalisation of $US344 billion ($US405 billion Feb 2020).
JP Morgan: US, one of the world's leading investment banks with a strong Australian operation.
J-Power: Japan, large energy utility which owns small stakes in several Australian coal mines such as Ensham.
Juniper Networks: USA, Californian-based IT company which is big on cyber security and was founded in 1995 but now has global revenues of more than $6 billion.
Kelloggs: US, two brothers ‘accidentally' discovered a brand new breakfast cereal in the late 19th Century which has developed into an industry leader with a large Australian market share.
Keolis: French, transport giant which runs Melbourne's tram network in a joint venture with Downer EDI.
Kirin: Japan, controls Lion Nathan brewing giant and used to own the old National Foods business before selling its diary business to Bega in late 2020. #
KKR: US, legendary buy out firm bought Cleanaway from Brambles before on-selling and also joint ventured into Channel Seven with Kerry Stokes amidst dozens of deals over the years. Also moved into Australia's pubs and pokies sector after buying Dixon business and the Coles pokies operation, plus privatised Spark Infrastructure in 2017.
Kwok brothers: Singapore/HK, property, Shangri La, Wilson car park business and controversial Wilson security business.
Kyocera Mita: Japan, printers, photocopiers and digital cameras.
Laing O'Rourke: UK, construction firm that bought Barclay Mowlem.
L'Aire Liquide: French, Industrial Gas giant which controls 15 per cent of Australia's $1 billion a year market for industrial gasses.
Lafarge: Swiss, cement/Blue Circle, a world leader in building materials.
Laminex Group: New Zealand, a leading marketer, distributor and manufacturer of laminex products.
Linde Group: German gas giant which took over its British rival BOC in 2006 which had earlier bought CIG (Commonwealth Industrial Gases) and then merged with Praxair in 2019 to become Linde PLC. Has a big Australian business headquartered in North Ryde.
Linpac Group: UK, made up of four core divisions which together bring tailored packaging and materials handling products and services.
LogicaCMG: UK, business consulting, systems integration and IT.
L'Oreal: French, cosmetics and toiletries giant with a market capitalisation of $US162 billion in February 2020.
Lucent: US, backbone for web and mobile, bought listed JNA in 1990s. #
Luxottica: Italian, eyewear group which bought OPSM. #
LVMH: French, one of the biggest French companies in everything from leather goods to drinks. Louis Vuitton even claimed $6m in Jobkeeper in 2020 when its revenue jumped 3.5% to $482m and net profit soared from $29.5 million to $54.9 million.
Malaysia Mining Corp: Malaysia, mining, logistics and infrastructure.
Manpower: US, leading global provider of integrated consulting solutions across the employment lifecycle.
Marriott: US, a leading worldwide hospitality company founded in 1927 with 3100 hotels in 65 countries.
Mars: US, one of the world's biggest private companies which has grown into a global outfit with six business segments including Chocolate, Petcare, Wrigley Gum and Confections, Food, Drinks and Symbioscience.
Marsh & McLennan: US, the premier global professional services firm providing advice and solutions in risk, strategy and human capital.
Marubeni: Japanese, aluminium, coal and iron ore investments.
Matsushima, Japan: owns 32% of the Liddell coal mine in the Hunter Valley which has been expanded to 3.5 million tonnes per year but may struggle once the nearby power station closes.
Maxxium: Dutch, Maxxium Worldwide is responsible for the sales, local marketing and distribution of ABSOLUT Vodka, The Famous Grouse Scotch Whisky, Jim Beam Bourbon and Rémy Martin Cognac.
McDonalds: US, largest fast food company which is also the largest real estate holder in the world. Has a big Australian operation and is currently celebrating 50 years in Australia.
Merck Sharpe Dohme: US, one of the largest prescription pharmaceutical companies which manufactures and distributes medicines for such ailments as HIV and osteoporosis. Has made a fortune paying CSL a 7% royalty on billions of dollars of Gardasil sales which have largely eliminated cervical cancer. Merged with rival Schering-Plough to create the world's second biggest pharmaceutical company. Also a global leader in consumer products and animal care.
Microsoft: US, software and computer giant which own Skype and even paid $US26 billion for LinkedIn in 2016.
Minmetals: China, bought OZ Minerals' operations including Sepon, Avebury, Rosebury, Golden Grove, Century and Dugald River. #
Mitsubishi Corp: Japan, the largest Japanese trading house with huge Queensland coal investments
Mitsubish Motors: Japanese, car manufacturing giant founded in 1870.
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial: Japanese, bank with a range of Australian services run out of Sydney. Also invested $208 million into Challenger in 2007.
Mitsui: Japanese, iron ore through Robe River, North West Shelf and also a big meat player. #
Mondelez: US, the old food part of Philip Morris which controls Cadbury in Australia.
Morgan Stanley: US, global investment bank which bought the Investa Property Group. April 2018 market capitalisation of $US94 billion ($US89 billion Feb 2020).
Motorola: US, mobile phones and global communications giant from Chicago head office.
Mulpha: Malaysia, large owner of Australian hotels such as Hayman Island, Sancturary Cove and Sydney's InterContinental
Mundipharma: NZ, is a leading provider of high quality analgesic pharmaceutical products for the treatment of moderate to severe chronic pain.
NEC: Japanese, global leader and innovator in technology.
Netflix: US, has subscriptions in more than 2 million Australian households generating revenues of approximately $300 million.
Nestle: Swiss, former Pacific Dunlop food assets, plus also bought Uncle Tobys. One of the 10 largest companies in the world with an April 2018 market capitalisation of $US246 billion ($US333 billion Feb 2020).
Newmont: US, gold mining after bought Normandy. 200
News Corporation: US, slimmed down media giant which shifted its domicile from Adelaide to Delaware in 2004 but still controls Foxtel, REA and Australia's largest stable of newspapers.
Nexans: French, bought the old Pacific Dunlop Olex Cables business.
Nike: US, global marketer of athletic footwear, apparel and equipment.
Nippon Life: Japan, paid NAB $2.4 billion in 2015 for an 80% stake in MLC Life.
Nippon Meat Packers Australia: Japan, almost $1 billion in annual revenues from Australia.
Nippon Steel: Japanese, iron ore through Robe River.
Nisshin Foods: Japan, paid $950 million to private equity firm PEP for the milling and pasta roll-up Allied Pinnacle in 2019.
Nissan Motor: Japanese, car manufacturer with April 2018 market capitalisation of $US44 billion ($US22.8 billion Feb 2020) but stopped manufacturing in Australian in 1992.
Nokia: Finland, a much diminished former world leader in mobile devices and communication.
Norske Skog: Norway, bought Fletcher Paper.
Novartis: Switzerland, a pharmaceuticals and consumer health company which has ranked in the top 20 globally with a February 2020 market capitalisation of $US243 billion.
Nutrium: Canada, a combination of two large Canadian agri-businesses, Potashcorp and Agrium, which paid $1.2 billion for AWB in 2010.
Oaktree: US, private equity fund which already owned Quiksilver and completed a $380 million takeover of Billabong.
O-I: US, the largest manufacturer of glass containers in the world, formerly known as Owens Illinois, plus owns many other building industry operations.
Officemax: US, a leader in both business-to-business office products solutions and retail.
Onepath: Dutch, formerly known as ING, OnePath is one of Australia's leading providers of wealth, insurance and advice solutions.
Oracle: US, provides the world's most complete, open, and integrated business software and hardware systems operating in over 145 countries. February 2020 market capitalisation of $US175 billion. Recently paid $1.6 billion for ASX-listed Aconex. #
Mr CK Ow: Singapore, billionaire who owns the Stamford hotel chain.
Paloma Industries: Japanese, owns Rheem/Vulcan water heater business.
Palmary Enterprises: Ukraine, billionaire Gennadiy Bogolubov paid more than $1 billion in 2007 for control of manganese producer Consolidated Minerals.
Panasonic: Japanese, electrical goods and world's biggest plasma TV maker.
Parmalat: Italian, previously known as Pauls, it is one of the major manufacturers of milk, yoghurt and fresh dairy products in Australia.
Peabody Coal: US, bought Excel Coal in 2006 and then mopped up MacArthur Coal in 2010 before then going broke. Has since bounced back again.
Pearson: UK, Grundy TV production, financial information, Penguin, a large education business and The Financial Times before it was sold to Japanese interests.
Pepsico: US, drinks and Pizza Hut and major rival to Coke, with a February 2020 market capitalisation of $US201 billion.
Pernod Ricard: French, a leading provider of premium wines which bought Orlando in 1989.
Persol: Japan, human resources giant which paid $778 million for Perth-based Programmed Maintenance Services in 2017.
Pfizer: US, pharmaceuticals giant and Australia's leading provider of prescription medicines and animal health products. A top 30 company globally with a February 2020 market capitalisation of $US211 billion. Generates more than $US50 billion a year in revenue and annual profits of $US8 billion and doing ever better now thanks to its COVID vaccine.
Pharmacia: US, pharmaceuticals, consumer health.
Philips: Dutch, a world leader in healthcare, lifestyle and lighting.
Porsche: German, also controls VW, Man and Scania. February 2020 market capitalisation of $US21 billion.
Posco: South Korea, steel company with various Australian coal and iron ore plays, including a stake in Gina Rinehart's Roy Hill operation.
Primus Telecommunications: US, facilities-based networks and facilities-based data centres for sophisticated data communication.
Proctor & Gamble: US, one of the biggest consumer products companies in the world with a February 2020 market capitalisation of $US313 billion. Owns everything from Pringles to Dove soap and Gillette with Australian sales exceeding $500 million.
PT Adaro: Indonesia, listed coal company which teamed up with a private equity firm to pay $US2.25 billion for Rio Tinto's Kestrel coal mine in Queensland's Bowen Basin in 2018.
PZ, Cussons: UK, leading supplier of detergent, soap and refrigeration products.
RAG/Evonik: German, international energy and chemical company which used to be Germany's biggest coal miner but it also now the second biggest German chemical company with operations in more than 100 countries.
Rank Group: New Zealand, the global packaging and paper giant put together by Kiwi billionaire Graeme Hart, which includes the old Carter Holt Harvey business.
Revlon: US, is a global color cosmetics, hair color, beauty tools, fragrances, skincare, anti-perspirant, deodorants and beauty care products company founded in 1932 and controlled by New York billionaire Ronald Perelman.
Reckitt Benckiser: UK, world's biggest cleaning products and health care company with brands including Dettol, Harpic, Mortein, Finish, Strepsil, Nurefen and Clearasil.
Resolution Life: UK, agreed to pay up to $3 billion for AMP's life insurance business in a revised deal which settled on June 30, 2020.
Ricket & Coleman: US, is a global force in household, health and personal care.
Rio Tinto: UK, owns very large Australian mining assets, particularly in WA iron ore, but no longer in coal.
Roche: Swiss, innovator and manufacturer of pharmaceuticals which is one of the 30 largest companies in the world with a market capitalisation exceeding $150 billion ($US300 billion Feb 2020).
Royal Bank of Canada: Canada, the biggest Canadian bank with April 2018 market capitalisation of $US110 billion ($US114 billion Feb 2020) and a solid Australian operation.
San Miguel: Philippines, a conglomerate which owns a variety Australian businesses ranging from Boags beer to Berri juices.
Sandvik: Finland, offers the world's widest range of equipment for rock drilling, rock excavation, processing, demolition and bulk-materials handling.
Sanofi-Aventis: France, one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies focusing on cardiovascular, thrombosis, metabolic disorders, oncology, central nervous system, internal medicine and vaccines. Has a market capitalisation of more than $US60 billion.
SAP: German, the world's leading provider of business software solutions. Australian operation is based in North Sydney. April 2018 market capitalisation of $US124 billion ($US169 billion Feb 2020).
Saputo: Canada, first bought Warrnambool Cheese & Butter and then mopped up Murray Goulburn to become a giant in the Australian dairy market.
Schenker Logistics: German, one of the leading international providers of integrated logistics services.
Schneider Electric: French, bought Clipsal Electric for $750 million in 2005 from Rob Gerard and his partners. Also bought Japanese company APC-MGE which used to separately appear on this list. 250
Sev.en Global Investments: a Czech coal and power firm which paid $200m for the Vales Point power station in 2022 and previously bought generating assets in Queensland.
Shell: Dutch-UK, a global group of energy and petrochemicals companies in more than 90 countries. Is Europe's biggest energy company with an April 2018 market capitalisation of $US277. Merged with BG Group in 2016, effectively taking over the old Queensland Gas business. Has now also sold out of Woodside. #
Siemens: German, electricals, communication, engineering and transport. One of the 40 most valuable companies in the world.
Sime Darby Berhad: Malaysian, trading giant known in Australia for its car dealerships in New South Wales and Queensland, plus also paid $625 million in early 2023 for equipment hire business Onsite Rentals, which had $303 million in annual revenues at the time. It already owns Salmon Earthmoving and Hastings Deering.
Singapore Airlines: Singapore, collects about 25% of Asian and Europe bound international traffic out of Australia, plus owned more than 20% of Virgin Australia before it collapsed.
Singtel: Singapore, paid a crazy $14 billion for Optus in 2002 but has plugged away as the number 2 against Telstra for the past 18 years.
Simplot: US, bought Pacific Dunlop pastry businesses such as Herbert Adams and Four'n Twenty.
Sinosteel: China, now in control of iron ore company Mt Gibson. #
Sony: Japanese, a giant in televisions, games, mobiles phones and the like.
Staples Inc: US, in 2009 took 100% control of office supply giant Corporate Express. #
Starwood: US, one of the world's largest hotel and leisure companies.
Stellantis: French-Italian: the new parent company name after the 2021 merger of Peugeot and Fiat, which created the world's 4th biggest car maker.
Sumisho Coal: Japan, investment in Northparkes copper-gold mine in NSW.
Sumitomo: Japanese, iron ore through Robe River and various other interests.
Suez Lyonnaise des Eaux: French, owns the large Pacific Waste Management business.
SvitzerWijsmuller: Danish, shipping giant paid $700 million for Australian tug operator Adsteam Marine in 2005. #
Tat Hong Holdings: Singapore, listed cranes and heavy equipment supply group which moved to 100% control of the listed Tutt Bryant Group in 2010. Tutt Bryant generated revenues of $321m in 2008-09 and $240m in 2009-10. #
Spark New Zealand: New Zealand, the old Telecom New Zealand which lost a fortune in AAPT but is doing better now.
Temasek Holdings: Singapore, sovereign fund which dropped $400 million in ABC Learning and has invested more than $10 billion in power assets.
TPG: US, private equity firm which made a fortune out of Myer, tried to buy Qantas and Fairfax and has more recently invested in Australian healthcare.
Total: France, the world's fourth biggest oil major mainly has a downstream lubricants business in Australia. April 2018 market capitalisation of $US127 billion ($US118 billion Feb 2020).
Toyota: Japanese, Japan's largest vehicle manufacturer and one of the largest automotive companies in the world established in 1937. Is a top 50 global company with Australian sales exceeding $1 billion each year.
Tyco: US, fire protection and other industrial services.
Uber: US, has cut a swathe through the taxi industry. Gross revenues now exceed $200 million, although they don't book all this in Australia.
UBS: Swiss, huge financial services firm that offers wealth management and is established in all the major financial centre of the world. Bailed out Swiss rival Credit Suisse in 2023.
Unilever: Dutch-UK, detergents and ice cream and array of other household brands, they were founded in 1890.
Unisys: US, IT firm which generates about $300 million a year in Australia.
UnitedHealth Group: US, biggest listed US health provider with a growing Australian presence and an April 2018 market capitalisation of $US224 billion ($US280 billion Feb 2020).
United Technologies Corporation: US, major multi-national based in Connecticut and into everything from engines, to elevators, including its large Carrier air conditioning business in Australia.
Vale: Brazil, the Brazilian iron ore giant runs its global coal operations out of Brisbane. April 2018 market capitalisation of $US67 billion ($US280 billion Feb 2020).
Vanguard: US, world's second biggest investor after Blackrock and dominates with passive index investing.
Varian Medical Systems: US, a global technology leader in Scientific Instruments and Vacuum Technologies.
Veolia: France, global utilities giant which is particularly strong in waste and water, including a big Australian operation.
Verizon: US, telco giant which owns the likes of MCI, AOL and Yahoo. April 2018 market capitalisation of $US196 billion ($US244 billion Feb 2020).
Viacom: US, Blockbuster video, a leading global entertainment content company.
Virgin: UK, airlines (now just a branding deal and a 5% stake), mobiles, music, fitness, financial services and various other Australian business backed by Sir Richard Branson.
Visa: US, global payments technology company established in 1958 which delivered huge profits for its banking shareholders, including Australia's Big Four which are now largely out of it. April 2018 market capitalisation of $US242 billion ($US398 billion Feb 2020).
Viscount Plastics: UK, owned by the Linpac Group, they provide a innovative industrial, packaging and materials handling products.
Viterra: Canada, grain handling and marketing, agri-products, agri-food processing, feed manufacturing and financial products. Beefed up its Australian operations with the $1.6 billion acquisition of ABB Grain in 2009.
Vivendi Universal: French, media conglomerate focusing on the music business through its global Universal brand.
Vodafone: UK, was once the world's leading mobile telecommunications company established in 1984. Unhappy experience in Australia competing with Telstra. April 2018 market capitalisation of more than $US76 billion ($US158 billion Feb 2020).
Wells Fargo: US, enormous global bank and bought a GE finance business in Australia in 2016. April 2018 market capitalisation of $US255 billion ($US199 billion Feb 2020).
Weyerhaeuser: US, paid $300 million for CSR's old timber businesses in the 1990s. Capitalised at $US23b in late 2022 and still going strong.
Wilmar International: Singapore, paid $1.7 billion for CSR's old sugar business Sucrogen in mid-2010 and then $1.3 billion for Goodman Fielder in 2015. Capitalised at $S25b in late 2022 so doing well.
Yamaha: Japanese, it began over 100 years ago and has grown to be one the biggest manufacturers of musical instruments in the world.
Yara International: Norway, the world's leading chemical company that converts energy, natural minerals and nitrogen from the air into essential products.
Zurich: Swiss, financial services giant which bought Cover-more in a $740 million deal and also paid $2.85 billion for ANZ's life insurance business in 2019.
300
The following companies are in the global top 100 and we are still assessing the size of their Australian operations.
Statoil: Norway's oil and gas giant has a market capitalisation of $US70 billion. Exploring in Great Australia Bite
Nippon TT: Japanese telco with market capitalisation of $US68 billion.
Deutsche Telekom: market capitalisation of $67 billion.
EDF: French electricity giant with a market capitalisation of $US65 billion.
Lukoil: Russian oil and gas company with market capitalisation of $55 billion.
MMC Norilsk Nickel: Moscow-based and world's largest nickel producer with April 2018 market capitalisation of $US29 billion.
E.On: German electrical company with market capitalisation of $US49 billion.
FOREIGN COMPANIES THAT EXITED AUSTRALIA AFTER A BAD EXPERIENCE
Barclays: market capitalisation of $44 billion. Quit Australia in 2016.
City Spring Infrastructure: the Singapore outfit paid $1.175 billion to UK firm National Grid in 2007 for the Basslink undersea cable between Tasmania and Victoria but it late went broke and was bought off its bankers by APA Group for around $750 million in 2022.
Dairy Farm International: Blundered with its management of Franklins and sold out to a combination of Coles, Woolworths and Metcash in 2001.
GPU: the US utility paid $2.55 billion to the Kennett Government for its electricity transmission monopoly Powernet Victoria in 1997 and sold it to Singapore Power 3 years later for $2.1 billion, booking a $450 million loss. Lost another $150m after paying more than $1 billion for Gasnet and floating it 3 years later.
Home Depot: US hardware chain with market capitalisation of $US50 billion. Failed Masters joint venture with Woolworths.
Japan Post: Japan, paid about $9 billion for Toll Holdings in 2015 but it was a disaster as the executive chairman John Mullen discussed in his 2017 chairman interview. Sold most of it 2021. See Nikkei report.
Lando Infratech: in December 2010, the Indian power company paid $850 million for Griffin Coal's West Australian assets, which spectacularly collapsed in 2022.
Toys R Us: the US category killer launched against Coles Myer in 1993 which had a 40% market share but then launched the specialist chain World 4 Kids specialist rival. Both wracked up big losses and later folded.
US West: US telco giant which dropped more than $500 million on Optus and pay-TV in Australia before exiting.
William Hill: the UK gambling outfit overpaid with a series of acquisitions in 2013, took a big write-down in 2017 and then sold out to Canada's Star Group in 2018, pocketing $314 million.
Check out all the Mayne Report business lists here.
Go here to see the full comprehensive list of lists we've created documenting the dominance of foreign investors in Australia and our relative poor performance on the international business stage.
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