list cust img
H R

HolmesCourt Robert

Jul 27, 1937

Rating : A (Data based on a reliable source)

  • dashaimage
  • Aquarius
    Moon Sign
  • dashaimage
  • Cancer
    Sun Sign
  • dashaimage
  • Scorpio
    Lagan

Remembering Since 1990

Events Events

Relationship : Marriage 18 May 1966 (Janet Lee, 24 years) chart Placidus Equal_H.

Work : New Career December 1967 (Began legal practice) chart Placidus Equal_H.

Work : Start Business 1970 (Gained significant shares in Western Worsted)

Financial : Best Period 1985 (Named as Australias wealthiest man)

Financial : Lose significant money 19 October 1987 (Hit hard with stock market crash) chart Placidus Equal_H.

Financial : Investments 1988 (Sold most of shares)

Death:Death by Heart Attack 2 September 1990 in Perth (Age 53) chart Placidus Equal_H. Death of Mother 30 April 2014 (Ethnee Holmes à Court, aged 98) chart Placidus Equal_H.

Ai Generated Biography Biography

Australian entrepreneur, who became Australias first billionaire. Educated at the University of Western Australia, where he earned his law degree, he began his legal practice in December 1967. With a background of family wealth, he made his own move into the world of finance in 1970 by gaining control of Western Worsted and Woolen Mills Ltd. At the height of his success, Holmes a Court owned 44.5% of his Bell Group Ltd, which had an estimated value of $650 million. During the 1980s, he bought substantial parcels of shares in various companies until 19 October 1987 when he was hit hard with the stock market crash. In mid-1988 he sold most of his shares in the Bell Group and aborted a planned takeover of the John Fairfax group. In 1985, Business Review Weekly named him Australias richest man with a net worth of $300 million. He put together a valuable art collection and he was successfully involved in horse breeding and racing. Holmes à Court married Janet Lee on 18 May 1966. They have four children (Peter, Paul, Simon, Catherine). Holmes à Courts mother Ethnee died at the age of 98 in May 2014. Robert Holmes à Court died of a heart attack in Perth, Australia on the morrning of 2 February 1990, aged 53. Link to Wikipedia biography Read less

bio Latest Info with AI

Update at: Sep 16, 2025
Profile of Robert Holmes à Court

Robert Holmes à Court

Born: July 27, 1937

Place of Birth: Johannesburg, South Africa

Biography

Robert Holmes à Court was a renowned businessman and corporate raider, known for his significant influence on the business landscape in Australia during the 1970s and 1980s. He was the first Australian to build a billion-dollar empire, primarily through aggressive takeovers and investments in various industries, including media, resources, and agriculture.

Recent News

While Robert Holmes à Court passed away in 1990, his legacy continues through his family and the businesses he established. In recent years, his family has been involved in various philanthropic efforts and continues to manage their business interests. The Holmes à Court family is known for their contributions to the arts and education, supporting numerous cultural and educational initiatives in Australia.

Social Media

Robert Holmes à Court himself did not have any social media presence, as he passed away before the digital age. However, his legacy is often discussed in business forums and historical analyses of corporate practices in Australia. His family members, particularly his son Simon Holmes à Court, are active on social media and engage in discussions related to renewable energy and climate change.

Recent Projects

While Robert Holmes à Court is no longer alive to undertake new projects, his family's influence and business ventures continue to evolve. The family has shifted some focus towards sustainable and renewable energy projects, with Simon Holmes à Court being a prominent advocate for these causes. They are involved in various initiatives that aim to address climate change and promote sustainable practices in business.

Legacy

Robert Holmes à Court's impact on the business world remains significant. He was a pioneer in corporate takeovers and leveraged buyouts in Australia, setting precedents for future business strategies. His approach to business was often described as bold and innovative, paving the way for modern corporate practices. His legacy is preserved through the continued success of the companies he established and the philanthropic efforts of his family.