Arada completes acquisition of the NSW business of construction firm Roberts Co, safeguarding critical infrastructure projects and supporting local industry
Australia: 7 May 2025
United Arab Emirates-based master developer Arada has acquired the New South Wales arm of Roberts Co, a leading tier-one commercial construction company with a strong track record in delivering complex projects across the health, education, commercial, residential, hospitality, industrial, life sciences and defence sectors.
The acquisition includes an immediate $20 million 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.
Looking ahead, Arada is prepared to invest up to $100 million to expand Roberts Co into new markets, starting with the UAE. This strategic expansion is designed to leverage Roberts Co’s tier-one construction expertise across a broader geography, with the goal of building a global presence and targeting annual revenues of $1 billion by 2028.
This acquisition also strengthens Arada’s ability to deliver new residential communities in Australia with certainty and confidence. By combining Arada’s global development expertise with Roberts Co’s proven local track record, the partnership ensures that future projects 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.
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 (BTR) development. These projects play a vital role in supporting the health and education needs of Sydney’s growing population, and their continuity ensures that local communities will continue to benefit from timely access to essential services and facilities.
As part of the transition, key members of the Roberts Co 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.
Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Group CEO of Arada, said: “This acquisition reflects our strong belief in Roberts Co’s people, projects, and performance. We will now invest significantly into the company in order 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.”
George Kostas, Executive Chairman of Roberts Co, said: “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.”
HE Ridwaan Jadwat, Australia’s Ambassador to the UAE, said: “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 Dr Fahad Obaid Altaffag, UAE Ambassador to Australia, said: “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.”
Founded in 2017 with a mission to “build a better way”, Roberts Co has delivered some of New South Wales’ most important recent construction projects, including Liverpool Hospital, Concord Hospital, the North Shore Health Hub, Zurich Tower, and the Moxy Sydney Airport Hotel.
