I guess it can now be said........
Junior Buchanan knew and greatly respected Reg Ansett - they had many similarities - but viewed Ansett as a very serious competitor to his PNG aspirations, particularly their intentions regarding Air Niugini and their relationship with the PNG Prime Minister.
At some point, maybe the early 80's, Junior was approached to buy into or take over Ansett. Junior was hyper active for days as we digested the offer, egged on by Reg's earlier success buying out his far larger competitor, ANA.
In the end we rejected the offer. The resulting debt would have been very difficult to service and the broker involved certainly "failed to inspire confidence".
It was an interesting time and ultimately inspired our failed Talair offer to take over Air Niugini.