United Arab Emirates (UAE) based developer Arada has acquired the New South Wales arm of tier-one commercial construction company Roberts Co.
It has a track record in delivering complex projects across the health, education, commercial, residential, hospitality, industrial, life sciences and defence sectors.
The acquisition includes an immediate $20m recapitalisation of Roberts Co (NSW) Pty Ltd by Arada, securing the jobs of 120 direct employees and providing essential stability to 600 employees across 200 subcontractors and suppliers connected to the business.
“This acquisition reflects our strong belief in Roberts Co’s people, projects, and performance.
“We will now invest significantly into the company to bring it to new markets and sectors, starting with the UAE.
“Together, we bring a shared vision for high-quality, community-focused development and in a market where construction delays are a major concern for buyers, this move provides a clear advantage, offering greater assurance around quality, reliability and project completion.
“Just as importantly, the acquisition also guarantees the continued delivery of vital infrastructure like hospitals and schools – the kind of facilities that truly shape and support thriving communities.”
Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Group CEO, Arada
Looking ahead, Arada is prepared to invest up to $100m to expand Roberts Co into new markets, starting with the UAE.
This strategic expansion is designed to leverage the company’s tier-one construction expertise across a broader geography, with the goal of building a global presence and targeting annual revenues of $1bn by 2028.
“This is a pivotal moment for our business, as this agreement with Arada brings stability, renewed confidence and security for employees, clients and partners.
“Arada’s investment not only restores long-term confidence but gives us a platform for future growth across new sectors and geographies.
“For our clients and partners, it’s business as usual – we are redoubling our commitment to existing projects and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead.”
George Kostas, Executive Chairman, Roberts Co
By combining Arada’s global development expertise with Roberts Co’s local track record, the partnership ensures that future developments will be delivered on time and to the highest standards.
In addition, the acquisition guarantees uninterrupted progress across Roberts Co’s four major construction projects currently under way in Sydney, many of which are critical to the state’s infrastructure.
“This acquisition highlights the growing depth of the Australia-UAE relationship, underpinned by the recently signed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
“It is a strong example of how closer ties between our two nations are delivering tangible benefits to our communities, supporting sustainable development and fostering long-term economic growth.”
HE Ridwaan Jadwat, Australia’s Ambassador to the UAE
The live projects that Roberts Co will continue to progress 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 development.
As part of the transition, key members of the acquired company’s leadership team, including Executive Chairman George Kostas, Managing Director Emma Shipley and NSW State Director Damian Vella, will remain in their roles to ensure continuity and stability post the transaction.
“The acquisition of Roberts Co’s New South Wales business by Arada demonstrates the UAE’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with Australia, which aligns with the opportunities created through the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
“This strategic move not only reinforces the strong economic partnership between our countries but also reflects our shared vision for enhancing people-to-people ties as well as for innovation.
“We look forward to seeing the positive impact this collaboration will have on local infrastructure, jobs, and the broader Australian economy.”
HE Dr Fahad Obaid Altaffag, UAE Ambassador to Australia
Founded in 2017, Roberts Co has delivered some of New South Wales’ key recent construction projects, including Liverpool Hospital, Concord Hospital, the North Shore Health Hub, Zurich Tower, and the Moxy Sydney Airport Hotel.
